Juventus vs Genoa, preview: Beware of the Bianconeri backlash!

Juventus will look to put a bad week behind them when they entertain Genoa on Sunday afternoon.

by Shaun Best

Oct 26, 2013, 10:22 PM UTC

Claudio Villa

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Serie A Round 9: 10-man Roma stay perfect

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It’s been a tough seven days for Antonio Conte and Juventus. Two consecutive losses have left a sour taste in Turin mouths. Everything was going to plan last Sunday, with the Bianconeri 2-0 up and coasting at Fiorentina. A disastrous 15 minute spell changed all that, as a Giuseppe Rossi hat trick proved to be the catalyst which saw Juve crumble to a 4-2 defeat.

A 2-1 reverse against Real Madrid in midweek also put a serious dent in Juve’s hopes of qualifying for the latter stages of the Champions League. Two points out of a possible nine is a far from ideal start.

A bullish Conte has stated that “the past no longer counts,” as he prepares his side for this game. Juve’s first domestic loss has seen them slip five points behind early season pacesetters AS Roma.

Genoa will hope to heap more misery on Conte and pull clear from the relegation places. The Port City club have once again turned to Gian Piero Gasperini to stabilise things, after novice tactician Fabio Liverani lasted just six matches. Gasperini has already equalled Liverani’s points tally, picking up a draw and a victory in his two outings thus far.

The Grifone’s mini renaissance has coincided with Alberto Gilardino rediscovering his form. The veteran frontman netted both goals in last weekend’s 2-1 victory against Chievo Verona to move onto three strikes for the season.

Injuries to Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella mean Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez look likely to continue their attacking partnership for the hosts, who must also do without Stephan Lichtsteiner and Simone Pepe.

Genoa frustrated Juventus to earn a 1-1 draw in this fixture last season. Francelino Matuzalem won’t be part of the travelling squad after failing a breathalyser test this week. The midfielder was caught drink-driving and has been dropped as punishment. Mario Alberto Santana went off injured during the Chievo victory and will remain on the sidelines along with Emanuele Calaio.