Genoa vs Fiorentina Predictions, Betting Tips & Match Previews

This clash was originally scheduled for September, before the game was rained off less than half an hour in. Serie A’s rules on rearranged games means this one will kick off at 0-0 with 28 minutes already on the clock, picking up where they left off over three months ago. Can Fiorentina take all three points in their game in hand in order to boost their push for a Europa League spot?

Their win on Monday leaves la Viola five behind sixth place, but they can cut that down to just two points with a victory at Genoa. However, that’s easier said than done, as the hosts are yet to lose a home match in Serie A this term. Can Fiorentina bring an end to that impressive run?

The visitors come here with a very hit and miss away record, which doesn’t inspire too much confidence in an away win. They’ve already lost three times in just seven trips. Fiorentina are a very high scoring side on the road, they’ve hit 2.29 goals per game so far. However, they’ve let in 1.86 in return. They only have an hour to play here, so it’s hard to see them recording such a goal-filled game on Thursday.

It’s also difficult to see Fiorentina having a goalless away game, given their figures so far. They’ve found the net in 100% of their league matches away from the Artemio Franchi. They’ve also conceded in 71% of their trips, and that record is likely to get worse in this trip, as Genoa have scored 1.57 goals per game in front of their own fans. That includes putting three past Juventus and AC Milan, two of the top three in the league.

While that points to more attacking joy for Genoa, we can’t see the hosts extending their strong home defensive record. Fiorentina travel here as one of the most clinical sides in the division on the road. They average 13 shots per game, while they convert 17% of those chances. La Viola are also likely to see a lot of the ball, as Genoa average just 47% possession in their home matches this term. That doesn’t quite match up to the away side’s average of 56% on their travels.

We’re backing both of these sides to score here, which is priced at 5/4 with Paddy Power. However, don’t be surprised if the scoring gets under way after the break. All but one of Genoa’s goals at home have been scored either in the first half hour or last 15 minutes. They’ve also conceded 75% of their goals here after half-time. With this one kicking off 28 minutes in, the action might not get interesting until after the restart.