Genoa-Parma, last game of the year

By: Francesco | December 21st, 2007

This photo is from the last time we played Genoa at home in Serie A, which was in December of 1994. Although the photo says 0-0, we went on to win that game 4-0. Fast forward 13 years, and Genoa-Parma is back. And this time I don’t think it’ll finish 4-0. However it would be a great Christmas present. More after the jump-

First thing, let’s refresh everyone’s memory about Parma’s away form this season summed up in two words- IT SUCKS! We have only scored 3 goals on our away travels and are yet to win away from the Stadio Tardini. However, this time the squad we are facing are in crisis mode. After a strong start, Genoa seem to be falling down the ladder and have had a string of bad results lately. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini is feeling the heat from billionaire owner Enrico Preziosi (owner of the Italian toy company Giochi Preziosi) and needs a result. Genoa also have ex-Parma players Cesare Bovo and Marco Di Vaio, who are both doubtful for the game.

With the formation there will be no surprises. Di Carlo likes the 4-2-3-1 and trusts it enough now to use it every week. Bucci will be in goal, Coly, Falcone (or Couto), Paci, Zenoni at the back, Luca “New Pirlo” Cigarini in the middle with Morrone protecting him, and Reginaldo, Gasbarroni, and Pisanu supporting Il Capitano Corradi. Don’t expect Morfeo to touch the pitch, it looks like he has officially ruined his rapport with the club.

Gasperini likes the 3-4-3, so Genoa will definitely go with that. Rubinho is a decent goalkeeper, Paro and Rossi are good in midfield, however the two players to watch will be up front, Leon and Marco Borriello. Borriello has been excellent this season, leading Genoa’s attack and scoring goals. Leon is a dangerous player who can change a game at any moment, a true fantasista.

The greatest news is this game will be live on RAI International at 12 PM EST tomorrow. Hooray!

More Transfer Talk

More news the past few days is that Inter may want U21 starlet Daniele Dessena as soon as January, as they look for a player that can play in the center of midfield and is not cup-tied. Will it happen? We don’t know. Ghirardi wants to hold on to his talent (at least until June), and unless Inter really offer something that can’t be refused Dessena will be with the Gialloblu’ until June.

Luca Cigarini (next Andrea Pirlo) looks all but set to be gone in June. His agent said today there is a long line for his services however he is not going anywhere in January, but June is a whole different story, and if a big club comes calling with a nice offer he’ll be wearing a different kit.

Someone who may be leaving in January is 19 year old striker Daniele Paponi, nicknamed “the Cobra”. He’s already a starter with the Italy U-19 squad and last year he got some games in and scored some goals. (Look at this beautiful Scorpion kick vs. Messina) He’s definitely one to watch for the future, and it seems Serie B club Grosseto (coached by ex-Parma boss Stefano Pioli), is interested in taking him on loan. More videos on Paponi.

Funny Video

Speaking of the toy company Giochi Preziosi, here’s a funny commerical with Gigi Buffon advertising some new karaoke machine.

I’ll have a game review sometime tomorrow after the match, maybe even on Sunday.

AVANTI CROCIATI!