View from the Opposition: Genoa

Local journalist Alessio Semino - one of the founders of Genoa-focused site buoncalcioatutti.it - gives his perspective on how the Rossoblu are looking heading into the game, which gets underway at 15:00 CET on Saturday at the Stadio Olimpico.

Let's start with the January transfer window: how do you rate the business Genoa did?

“Very good, at least in light of the league situation which makes doing business a lot more difficult. It was definitely an entirely different sort of window for the team than from those in the past: the club took punts on young players from Italy and then more established players who have played the majority of their careers to date overseas ... all of whom will hopefully be arriving with a hunger to succeed.

"Only time will tell if it was good business by the club - even if the new arrivals will be expected to come in immediately and help the club in its fight for survival, a battle that already appears to be a bit of an uphill one."

The other big change is in the dugout - what sort of coach is Alexander Blessin? How is he going to want to play?

“Even here it's another marked departure from the past: going with a coach from the Red Bull school, someone who has learned a lot with the youth teams at Leipzig and then at Oostende too. Genoa have brought in a coach who has learned from the best of the best around European football. Pressing and a high positioning on the pitch are his two guiding principles, albeit while finding the right balance.

"The game against Udinese, so far the only one since Blessin arrived, was a positive first sign - but we will be expecting further tactical tweaks as the season goes on. We are certainly talking about a very brave, determined and confident coach, one who has chosen to throw himself in at the deep end with Genoa even as the club is sailing through some choppy waters right now."

What didn't work out with Andriy Shevchenko?

“I think the real mistake came higher up - choosing the coach before appointing the sporting director. After that, the results didn't really help everyone find the right balance. The team needed one real moment to cling onto that never really happened, and then they lost a few crucial games where the performance wasn't good enough either - and nor was the character or spirit shown.

"Shevchenko paid for his inexperience as a club manager, but I think he will have the chance to learn from that in future. He has interesting ideas and will be more mature after an experience like this."

Who are the players that Genoa need to keep fit and on form if they are to stay up this season?

"I would have to say probably all of them! And that's not just a lazy answer, because I think Blessin really does want to create a united group, coherent, where everyone has a role and wants to help their teammates out.

"So I don't think it will be a case of individual talents getting the side out of danger - a danger that is pretty significant but certainly not insurmountable. It will be about the group and the spirit they can create together."

Which Roma players are you most worried about heading into Saturday's game?

"I could probably answer in a similar way to the question before, given that Roma have quality in every area of the pitch. Abraham is in great form right now but so is Sergio Oliveira, who has hit the ground running, and Zaniolo as well.

"I could mention a number of others too. It's a very attacking side and I think the first ever clash between Mourinho and Blessin will be something to see."

What's your prediction for the game?

“I naturally avoid making predictions. If you look at the statistics and the previous meetings then it's pretty clear what the expectation should be on paper, but football has always taught us that it can't be distilled down to a science like that.

"I'm expecting a real battle in the middle of the pitch, with those little areas in behind the midfield being where the game is going to be decided. Both sides really need the points and that's why I think it is going to be a good spectacle for all."