Lazio vs Genoa: A Clash of Contrasting Fortunes in Serie A

Miles apart earlier this season, only six points now separate Lazio and Genoa as they prepare to face off on Serie A’s 23rd matchday at the Stadio Olimpico. This Friday evening encounter sees the hosts grappling with a crisis of confidence, while Genoa steadily climb towards safety.

Lazio’s Struggles and Sarri’s Concerns

Maurizio Sarri recently voiced his frustration with Lazio’s lack of ambition, even suggesting a potential relegation battle following a disappointing 0-0 draw against Lecce. This came on the heels of a heavy 3-0 defeat at home to Como, leaving the Biancocelesti searching for a morale boost. While a drop to Serie B remains unlikely, Lazio has slipped to ninth place, exacerbated by the departure of key players like Valentin Castellanos and Matteo Guendouzi, with others reportedly considering exits.

The Stadio Olimpico, once a fortress, has seen Lazio win only four league games – none this year. However, history favors them in this fixture, having won seven of the last nine home meetings against Genoa, including a 3-0 victory in September.

Genoa’s Resurgence Under De Rossi

Under the guidance of Daniele De Rossi, a Roma legend with a strong desire to outperform Lazio, Genoa are experiencing a remarkable turnaround. They are currently unbeaten in five games since the start of 2026, lifting them six points above the relegation zone. A stunning comeback against Bologna, fueled by a late winner from Junior Messias, showcased their newfound resilience.

A win at the Olimpico would bring Genoa within three points of Lazio and pile pressure on their relegation rivals. Genoa have struggled against Lazio recently, losing their last four Serie A games without scoring and keeping only one clean sheet in their last 17 encounters.

Team News and Potential Lineups

Lazio have recently added Kenneth Taylor, Petar Ratkov, and Italy international Daniel Maldini to their squad. However, they remain without Samuel Gigot, Patric, and Nicolo Rovella due to injury. Matteo Cancellieri and captain Mattia Zaccagni are their joint-top Serie A scorers with three goals each.

Genoa will be without Albert Gronbaek, Benjamin Siegrist, and Tommaso Baldanzi, but Leo Ostigard returns from suspension. Lorenzo Colombo, Genoa’s main marksman, has only scored one of his five league goals away from home.

Possible Starting Lineups:

• Lazio: Provedel; Lazzari, Gila, Provstgaard, Marusic; Basic, Cataldi, Taylor; Isaksen, Dia, Zaccagni
• Genoa: Bijlow; Marcandalli, Ostigard, Vasquez; Norton-Cuffy, Frendrup, Malinovskyi, Ellertsson, Martin; Vitinha, Colombo

Prediction: A Point for Genoa?

Morale is undoubtedly low in the Lazio camp, while Genoa are riding high on a five-game unbeaten streak. Considering these contrasting dynamics, Genoa should be able to end their losing streak in this fixture and secure a valuable point.

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Written by Jonathan O’Shea