Two defeats put Genoa under pressure as unbeaten Como visit Ferraris
An in-depth analysis of the tactical battle ahead

Genoa

Como
Genoa seek first points as unbeaten Como arrive in better position
Genoa and Como meet at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Friday, September 4, with the hosts looking to halt a difficult start to the Serie A season. Genoa have lost both of their opening matches, leaving them 16th with no points and a goal difference of -3. Como sit eighth on four points after a win and a draw, four points clear of their opponents and only two behind leaders AS Roma.
The early table gives Como the stronger platform, but it also places pressure on Genoa to respond quickly. A third consecutive defeat would deepen their early problems, while Como can strengthen their position among the leading group by extending their unbeaten run. With the campaign still in its opening stages, both teams have a clear reason to value a positive result.
Contrasting formations set the tactical tone
Genoa have used a 3-4-2-1 in both matches, suggesting a structure built around three defenders, wing-back width and two players supporting the central forward. That shape will need to provide more attacking output at home: Genoa have scored no goals in their only home game, while conceding twice.
Como have consistently selected a 4-2-3-1, offering a different framework with a back four, a double pivot and three attacking midfielders behind the striker. Their away record is a key source of confidence. They have won once and drawn once on the road, scoring three goals and conceding two. Neither side has kept an away or home clean sheet in the figures provided, which could point to opportunities if either attack finds space between the lines.
Como carry the clearer individual threat
T. Douvikas is Como’s leading listed scorer, with two goals in two appearances, and represents the most direct evidence of their attacking momentum. M. Baturina has also contributed one goal and one assist in two appearances, giving Como another player capable of influencing the final third. Genoa have no scorer-chart entry listed among the supplied data, so their response will need to come from a coordinated team effort rather than a named statistical leader.
Absences add another variable
Genoa could be without L. Venturino, who is questionable with a knee injury. Como will be without J. Addai because of an Achilles tendon injury, while M. Kean is questionable as transfer negotiations continue. Those uncertainties may encourage both coaches to keep their plans disciplined, particularly in a match where Como’s attacking rhythm and Genoa’s need for greater penetration will be central themes.
Prediction
Prediction: Genoa 1-1 Como. Como’s stronger start and away record make them difficult to dismiss, but Genoa’s need for a first point at home should produce a more competitive performance.
By the numbers
The data behind Genoa vs Como, in 4 charts.
The season so far
Wins, draws and losses side by side
Two different teams?
Home and away form for Genoa
Who wins more often?
Share of league games won this season
How they line up
Most-used formations this season
The table as it stands
| Logo | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AS Roma | WW | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 6 | |
| 2 | Inter | WW | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 6 | |
| 3 | AC Milan | WW | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 6 | |
| 4 | Juventus | WW | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 | |
| 5 | Atalanta | WW | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 6 | |
| 6 | Lazio | WW | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6 | |
| 7 | Udinese | WD | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 4 | |
| 8 | Como | WD | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 4 | |
| 9 | Frosinone | WL | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | |
| 10 | Napoli | LW | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | |
| 11 | Sassuolo | WL | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | |
| 12 | Cagliari | LW | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | |
| 13 | Lecce | LW | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3 | |
| 14 | Torino | LL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0 | |
| 15 | Bologna | LL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| 16 | Genoa | LL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| 17 | Parma | LL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | |
| 18 | Monza | LL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 0 | |
| 19 | Venezia | LL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 | |
| 20 | Fiorentina | LL | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 0 |