Tonight is the last championship match for Bologna at Marassi against Genoa. It will be Thiago Motta, last on the Bologna bench, against Gilardino.
To talk about the moment of the Ligurian team and this evening’s match we had a chat with our colleague from PianetaGenoa, Francesco Patrone.
What moment is Genoa experiencing as they come to this match against Bologna after having been “impartial referees” of the battle for survival?
«It was due to the fans, not only the Genoans who filled the stadium 97% all year round this year but the entire Serie A. Because it is the rule of sport, you take to the field to win or at least give your all to to do it. Despite the goal of salvation achieved over a month ago, the team rightly continued to commit themselves by honoring the tournament».
I was impressed by Genoa’s performance against Cagliari. Over the course of the season he developed new offensive game patterns, as well as maintaining good defensive solidity…
«You are right. Gilardino took advantage of the mistakes of the first round. And, beyond this aspect, he also corrected Genoa’s tendency to score at the end of the match. It also happened in Bologna in the first leg with De Silvestri’s equaliser. In the second round this no longer happened, making the improvement evident. And the approach has also changed tactically, with Gila more inclined to change formation during the same match. Demonstrating that Gilardino has matured together with his team».
What is still expected from Gilardino: how and in what can he still improve as a coach?
«Gila can definitely improve. Above all, taking advantage of this year’s experience. Much, however, will depend on the team that will be built for him, because the coach is important, but also the players. But, having signed the contract renewal, he says that Gila believes a lot in the project aimed at improving year after year. If this year the objective was a quiet salvation, an objective achieved, next year perhaps we will look at the positions that lead to Europe. Genoa will probably finish the tournament in 11th, the objective will be the left side of the table. Perhaps imitating the path of Bologna who this year had a championship superior to even my wildest imagination».
Tonight will be, among other things, Thiago Motta’s last match at Bologna, what match do you expect from Bologna and Genoa?
«I think it will be a fun match, between two teams who have free minds. It might even skip some patterns. I expect a fun match with lots of goals. The stadium will be full so it will be a great show. It will be a celebration and the result will count just as much».
Do you expect a reshuffled lineup to make room for those who have played less?
«He will certainly use the changes to get everyone playing. Messias could return and Bani, who has been a pillar of this Genoa team, should return. I expect the Gudmundsson-Retegui pair up front. The Italian-Argentine must score some goals ahead of Euro2024; while for Gudmundsson it could be the last match with Genoa because apparently he has several offers. We will see if the club will sell or will be able to keep him, however the club must break even so at least one valuable piece will have to be sold to finance the transfer market».
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