At the start of the season Genoa were arguably one of the contenders for a top-six finish in Serie A but at exactly the half-way point in the 38-game league campaign, Genoa are just five points above the relegation zone and eight points off a Europa League slot.
The Grifoni have failed to win or score in their opening two league encounters of the new year as a goalless draw with Lazio at home followed a stalemate with Cesena on the road. Then came midweek's Round of 16 tie with Italian and European champions Inter in the Coppa Italia and Genoa lost 3-2.
Genoa will head into Sunday's game against Udinese having lost more games than won at the Luigi Ferraris in Serie A. Davide Ballardini's side have also won just one of their last six league encounters and are in abysmal form at the moment as far as European ambitions are concerned.
European Contenders?
The opposite is true for Udinese, who started the 2010-11 season as one of the sides likely to be embroiled in the relegation dogfight. However, the Bianconeri have gone from strengths to strength and are now pushing for a place in Europe.
With 27 points from 19 matches, Udinese are a place below Inter in the league table and four points off a Europa League slot. Last weekend Francesco Guidolin's side were involved in the best and most exciting game in Serie A as they drew 4-4 with Scudetto favourites Milan at San Siro.
Even though Udinese's away record is not exactly encouraging, having had the strength to hold Milan to a draw and that too on the road will inflate their confidence ahead of Sunday's trip to Genoa.
TEAM NEWS
Genoa
Paloschi and Antonelli are unavailable for the Grifoni as they are suffering from injuries.
Udinese
Domizzi, Basta and Ferronetti will miss the trip to Genoa because of injuries.
Prediction
This is a tough game to call as Udinese would be buoyant of a victory in Genoa after their brilliant match in Milan last weekend. The Grifoni, though, are a tough side in front of their own supporters and will eke out a narrow victory.
Genoa 2-1 Udinese 
