There are already reports swirling around that Genoa will sack Davide Ballardini, so he has to deliver against a Sassuolo side who have struggled badly this season.
The Grifone are under new ownership with American investors 777 Partners and could soon have a new coach as well, because the defeat to rock bottom Salernitana prompted suggestions Gennaro Gattuso had been contacted.
It’s hardly as if Alessio Dionisi is doing much better, although he always did have big shoes to fill when replacing Roberto De Zerbi. Despite form and reputation, Gregoire Defrel keeps getting the nod ahead of Giacomo Raspadori and Gianluca Scamacca.
Form Guide: Genoa (L D D L W) Sassuolo (L W L L L)
Stat fact: Genoa are the only side in Europe’s top five leagues this season yet to score in the first half.
Probable line-ups
Genoa (3-5-2): Sirigu; Cambiaso, Biraschi, Criscito; Kallon, Badelj, Hernani, Rovella, Fares; Destro, Ekuban
Suspended: None
Injured: Vanheusden, Maksimovic, Bani
On a yellow card: None
Sassuolo (4-2-3-1): Consigli; Muldur, Chiriches, Ferrari, Rogerio; Lopez, Frattesi; Berardi, Djuricic, Boga; Raspadori
Suspended: None
Injured: Obiang, Romagna, Satalino
On a yellow card: None