Three to Watch: Genoa out to spring final day surprise

Roma face Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday, in a sold-out match to see Francesco Totti’s final Giallorossi performance.

While the captain’s retirement has been the focal point of the media, the Giallorossi know the season’s work is far from over. Manager Luciano Spalletti has managed to fend off Napoli from overtaking second place thus far, with a massive win against Juventus followed by a comeback against Chievo Verona.

Still just one point ahead of the Partenopei, it has been these do-or-die situations which bring out the best in Roma – and the final match day of the season should be no different.

With one last game to win, Spalletti’s players will be challenged by a Grifoni side that has won two out of its last three matches – triumphing over Inter Milan and Torino.

Now having secured safety, our columnist believes these three players will be ready to prove better than their standing suggests…

Giovanni Simeone

After making a move to the Ligurian club from River Plate this past summer, the son of Diego ‘El Cholo’ Simeone leads his team with 12 goals.

Playing a big part in their Serie A salvation, the 21-year-old has lifted his squad with important goals, as well as a game-winner against Juventus earlier in the season.

A hard worker on the wing or in a centre-forward role, Simeone’s speed and goal-scoring prowess proves he is already a player to be respected.

At the conclusion of his breakthrough season, the striker would like nothing more than to grab a goal against his father’s ex-nemesis.

Ezequiel Munoz

A product of the Boca Juniors academy, El Chiquito has integrated nicely in his second season with the Rossoblu.

Although his defensive line has had its fair share of chemistry issues this season, Munoz has been one of its top performers – winning 59 tackles with a success rate of 58%. Furthermore, he made 51 interceptions and converted 134 clearances.

With seven defensive actions per game and an average pass length of 19 metres, the 26-year-old has been an active force in foiling the opponents’ attack, as well as initiating play from the back.

Miguel Veloso

After beginning his professional career in 2005, the Portuguese international has gone on to represent his country over 50 times, whilst winning four major trophies with Dynamo Kyiv in the Ukrainian Premier League.

At 31-years-old, the defensive midfielder still has plenty to offer in his second stint for the club, and has proven so by his commanding performances throughout this season.

Although the Rossoblu have struggled in out-passing their opponent, Veloso has done his part to keep his side in possession – creating 31 scoring opportunities and four assists. In 898 completed passes, he has achieved an accuracy of 85% - of which 81% were forward passes.

With the counter-attacking tactics of Ivan Juric, Veloso’s precise passing could spring Genoa ahead with an unexpected long ball past the defence.