View from the Opposition: Genoa

Ahead of Sunday's return to Serie A action, we get the lowdown on our opponents...

Jose Mourinho's side travel to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris for the weekend's late kick-off (20:45 CET), as Roma face a new-look Genoa side.

With Andriy Shevchenko taking charge of his first game as head coach and the club's new American owners, 777 Partners, overseeing things for the first time, it promises to be a notable occasion for so many reasons.

To get an insight into how things might go, we spoke to Valerio Arricchiello of local newspaper Secolo XIX...

Let's start with the new ownership - what do the fans think about it all right now?

“The arrival of 777 Partners has revitalised the mood around the club, after a few difficult years towards the end of the [former president] Preziosi era. In the short-term the fans are expecting the club to climb up the league table and avoid relegation without any real issues - the team will need to dig deep until at least January, where hopefully a few new signings will boost things.

"In the longer term, obviously the fans are dreaming big: the new owners are ambitious and they have already pointed to the example of Atalanta. So now the Genoa fans are also hoping to eventually see Genoa fighting for the European places."

It will be Shevchenko's first game as coach. What went wrong with Ballardini?

“The biggest signings of the summer arrived right at the end of the window, and then injuries really made things a lot harder for him, but Ballardini also seemed to struggle a bit to find the right solutions to problems, especially considering his vast experience.

"Genoa were often not at the races in the first half of games (the last game against Empoli was the first time they had taken the lead in a match this season) and so they always had to try and mount a comeback in games. Ballardini switched formations around but didn't ever find a clear identity.

"That being said, however, apart from the opening game at Inter they always made themselves a difficult team to beat - one that responded to those setbacks and launched a lot of comebacks. Perhaps the first hour against Empoli was the best we've seen Genoa play so far this season, but I think the wheels were already set in motion against Ballardini at that point and the confidence had started to wane. There was a desire to start anew with Shevchenko - not just for the here and now but also to begin longer term planning for improvement."

How do you think the approach will change under Shevchenko?

“As Ukraine coach, Shevchenko often employed a 4-3-3 or 4-3-1-2 system - even if at the Euros in the summer we saw him switching to a 3-5-2 a lot.

"I think in the first few weeks Shevchenko will focus on the 3-5-2, because that is largely what Ballardini was using up until the Empoli game. Then perhaps in January a few wingers might arrive and hopefully a playmaker, which would allow the boss to switch to one of his more preferred setups."

Which players do you think Shevchenko will place his trust in?

“In the last few days both Criscito and Caicedo have come up injured, and they will be major losses. I think Shevchenko will lean towards experience in the early days, so in attack you could well see Goran Pandev having a role to play.

"But Shevchenko gave a lot of young players their chance during his time with Ukraine and so I think he will definitely look to back some of the youngsters that have come through the academy, for example Rovella and Cambiaso. I would also expect Melegoni to get a few more opportunities - he's a talented boy that up until now has found playing time a bit hard to come by."

What are you expecting from Roma this weekend?

“I expect Roma to come in fired up after the poor recent results - they will be wanting to address that. They started well under Mourinho but have then had their issues, so the period between now and Christmas will be crucial in defining what sort of season this is going to be for the club.

"A lot will also depend on the injury list: someone like Lorenzo Pellegrini is a vital player and his presence would change things for the team."

Which players would you love to be able to steal from Roma?

“Let's say that there is an embarrassment of choice there. Obviously there is Lorenzo Pellegrini, who might be out anyway. I am certain that Tammy Abraham has great potential and will improve a lot; he's been unlucky so far with all the times he has hit the post.

"Given the curse of the ex is always there, I guess Genoa also need to pay close attention to Eldor Shomurodov and Stephan El Shaarawy, if one or both should end up playing."

And finally, what's your prediction for the game?

“I expect it to be a really combative game - a really physical test for both sides. With the new ownership and the new coach the Marassi is clearly going to be loud and passionate and the home side need to make sure they take advantage of that.

"But the same goes for Roma, who can't afford to start slowly after the loss last time in Venice. So it has the makings of a very open game - I think it could be a draw, with a fair few goals."