Genoa vs Roma Prediction: Hosts might prevail in a tight game

The early game on Sunday from Italy comes from the Stadio Luigi Ferraris with the game kicking off at 11:30 and will be broadcast on OneFootball.

Daniele Fisichella takes us through the action and picks out two betting tips as part of his Genoa vs Roma Predictions here at Betfred Insights...

Genoa welcomes Roma at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Sunday lunchtime in what promises to be a pivotal clash for Daniele De Rossi's side.  

The Giallorossi have struggled at the start of the season, collecting just two points from their opening three matches against Cagliari, Empoli, and Juventus.  

This start has left the Giallorossi in 16th place, with the pressure mounting on De Rossi to kickstart their campaign.  

The break for international fixtures has given the Roma coach time to address the team's early shortcomings, particularly in defence, where the recent arrivals of Mats Hummels and Mario Hermoso should provide much needed experience. 

Genoa, meanwhile, will look to capitalise on their strong home record from last season, having lost just five of their last 21 games at Marassi.  

Although the Grifone have struggled offensively after losing last season's top scorers Gudmundsson and Retegui, they remain a tough opponent at home, capable of earning a point against champions Inter on match day one.   

Roma's recent history at Marassi against 'Il Grifone' has not been favourable (they've won only 13 out of 56 games and were defeated 4-1 last season) and they'll need to break that trend to ease the pressure on De Rossi and keep pace with their rivals for a Champions League spot. 

Team News: 

Roma faces several selection dilemmas ahead of the trip to Liguria. 

Forward Artem Dovbyk is a major doubt due to a muscle injury sustained on international duty, while captain Lorenzo Pellegrini and new signing Le Fée are also racing against time to be fit.  

In their absence, De Rossi may deploy Paulo Dybala as a false nine, though the Argentine's fitness will be assessed after his return from South America.  

Roma's midfield could see changes, with summer signing Manu Koné set to start alongside Pisilli bringing dynamism and intensity to the team. 

Genoa has injury concerns of their own, with Junior Messias, who scored against Inter, likely to miss out due to an adductor issue. The home side may also be without defenders Bani and De Winter. Up front, the duo of Vitinha and Pinamonti will be expected to lead the line, looking to break through a potentially new-look Roma defence featuring Hermoso.  

Genoa coach Alberto Gilardino will aim to fine-tune the partnership between his forwards, as they seek their first home league goals of the season. 

Genoa vs Roma Odds

The visitors enters the clash as slight favorites at 5/4, despite their recent struggles and poor record at Marassi. Genoa, priced at 23/10, will look to leverage their home advantage, while the draw, available at 9/4, reflects the tight nature of this fixture.  

Recent trends suggest a low-scoring affair, with four of Genoa's last five Serie A games seeing fewer than three goals, making the Under 2.5 Goals market at 8/13 an attractive option. 

However, Roma's away matches have been unpredictable; last season, six of their road games went over 3.5 goals. 

Given that Roma have kept clean sheets in four of their last five Serie A encounters with Genoa, the odds for Both Teams To Score are evenly balanced at 5/6.  

Roma's recent defensive solidity in this fixture, alongside two consecutive goalless away matches, suggests that backing 'No' on Both Teams To Score could also be a savvy play. 

*You can check out all of our Football Odds over at betfred.com

Betting Tips: 

Both Teams To Score – Yes 5/6 

Given Roma's defensive frailties and Genoa's solid home form, as they've only failed to score in four of the last 21 home gams, both sides finding the net looks a strong possibility.  

Roma's expected goals (xG +2.72) and expected goals against (xGA +2.80) suggest they've been creating chances but also leaving themselves open at the back, making a high-scoring game likely. 

Genoa win or Draw and Under 4.5 Goals @ 8/11 

Roma has struggled at Marassi in recent years, and their form this season has been inconsistent.  

With Genoa typically strong at home, taking points off the big teams, and Roma having to deal with a few injuries, backing a draw or a home win offers value in this matchup. 

Daniele Fisichella primarily covers Serie A for us at Betfred Insights. You can check out all of his Football Betting Tips here each week along with those of our other Football writers...