Former Lazio coach Davide Ballardini seems to be weaving a new era at Genoa as the Grifone are going from strength to strength. The former Italian champions were struggling when Ballardini took over but they are now back in contention for a European place.
Last weekend's 3-1 victory over Lecce away from home was the Rossoblu's third in Serie A under the 46-year-old and their fourth in all competitions. It kept them in ninth place in the table but inched them to just two points off a Europa League place.
Genoa have lost just one competitive match since Ballardini became in charge of the first team and that was against rejuvenated Juventus. However, the former Italian champions have a rather poor record at home as they have lost three of their seven league matches at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris so far this campaign.
Genuine European Contenders
Since Walter Mazzarri took over the coaching responsibilities at San Paolo in October 2009 Napoli have gone from strength to strength. Last season the Partenopei missed a place in the top four in Serie A but this campaign they are in full throttle to accomplishing just that.
After 15 round of matches, Napoli are currently fourth in the league table with 27 points. Mathematically it's not improbable that the Azzurri can launch a Scudetto challenge as they are just three points behind Lazio, who are second, and six behind leaders Milan.
On Monday night the former Italian champions registered an encouraging 1-0 win against fellow Champions League contenders Palermo in Naples and will be confident going into Saturday night's encounter against Genoa. Interestingly, the Neapolitans have won half of their away games in the league and this will only inflate their confidence.
TEAM NEWS
Genoa
Sculli, Kaladze and Palacio are injured and will miss the visit of Napoli. The Grifone will follow a 4-3-1-2 system that will see Kharja playing behind Palladino and Toni as the creator-in-chief.
Napoli
Lucarelli, Gianello and Lavezzi are injured and will miss the trip to Genoa while Grava is suspended. Mazzarri will deploy a 3-4-2-1 system that will have Cavani as the targetman with Hamsik and Sosa as the creative midfielders behind him
Prediction
Genoa will be no pushovers as under Davide Ballardini the Grifone have recovered their winning mentality. However, Napoli have a strong record on the road and will manage a draw in the least.
Genoa 1-1 Napoli 
