Relegation showdown as Genoa host Lecce
An enormous showdown in the Serie A relegation battle gets underway on Sunday evening at 6.30pm BST. Both clubs have been towards the foot of the table all season long looking to finish the season strongly with just two outings remaining upon this one’s conclusion. Lecce are 18th on 29 points with Genoa just above them on 30, each team only have one win from their last six games and will be seeing this fixture as a huge opportunity to escape the drop. The hosts are strong favourites, but plucky Lecce beat Lazio just three games ago, they cannot be written off.
Reverse fixture
The Yellow and Reds frustrated Genoa by coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 in December. Experienced midfielder Goran Pandev was sent off towards the end for a second yellow card. The 37-year-old scored in a crucial 2-0 win over SPAL last time out for the Griffin and that know how will be called upon again versus a leaky Lecce backline. It was a tale of two halves in Lecce, where they responded brilliantly to going behind, registering 20 shots in the second half alone to save their blushes.
Ones to watch
21-year-old Andrea Pinamonti has shown the way in the revival for the hosts, scoring three in a three-game stretch that included 2-2 draws with Udinese and Brescia. The latter who are staring down the barrel of next season in Serie B. Pinamonti has made his way up the Italian football ladder spending plenty of time out on loan from Inter Milan where he started his career. Genoa shelled out over £16million in acquiring his services and will be delighted if the return on their investment will keep them in the division. He has scored seven goals and assisted one in all competitions and will be looking to continue his form as a recent bright spark in what has been a below par campaign.
Goalscoring midfielder Marco Mancosu has been a key figure in Lecce’s fight against the drop this term. Contributing 11 goals and one assist. The 31-year-old has been at the club since 2016, with a humble career in the lower tiers of Italy after enjoying youth football with Cagliari. Maintaining Serie A status for another season would surely be one of the greatest achievements of his career.
Lecce have pulled off a few shocks this season, but it could be a bridge too far against an experienced Genoa side.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
10 man Genoa fought back from conceding an equaliser to net a crucial late winner to win 2-1, and create a four point gap between themselves and Lecce at the top of the relegation zone in the process.