Ballardini confident of turning around Genoa’s early-season woes
Published:New Genoa coach Davide Ballardini is in no doubt that his team have the capability of competing in Serie A despite their lacklustre start to the season.
Gian Piero Gasperini was recently dismissed from the job after his summer of heavy investment, which included Miguel Veloso and goalkeeper Eduardo, failed to ensure that Genoa remained in title contention.
Genoa are now 200/1 to win Serie A after collecting just 11 points from the opening ten games.
It has been in front of goal where they have had the most problems as despite having the likes of Luca Toni and Rodrigo Palacio in attack, they have found the net just eight times.
However, former Lazio boss Ballardini is confident that the squad has the ability to turn things around, starting in his debut game at home to Bologna.
Ballardini said: “The championship is very hard and it is even more balanced this season. All of the sides have the ability to gain points and I think that a full strength Genoa can be very competitive.
“Genoa have a precise identity and I’m not revolutionising things. I’ll have to respect the characteristics of the players and the identity of the team.”
Even though Genoa have won just two of their five home games so far, they are 8/11 to beat Bologna.
But they have not won their last three home games against the opposition and led three times against them at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris last season before eventually succumbing to a 4-3 defeat.
Bologna are still to win an away game in Serie A this season, but are 10/3 to take the three points against Genoa and in Marco Di Vaio have won of the form strikers in the division.
Bologna have also conceded the second most away goals in Serie A this season. See the full Genoa vs Bologna match betting odds market.
