Genoa vs South Tyrol – News and Probable Lineups

Genoa will take on Sudtirol in the Coppa Italia on Tuesday night, both aiming for a prestigious encounter against the current Serie A champions.

Set to be contested at Stadio Ferraris, the victor of their second-round confrontation will move on to face Inter de Milão in the round of 16 this season.

Match overview

Genoa, still without a win after four Serie A matches, finally managed to earn their first point on Saturday, battling to a draw against Frosinone, who have just been promoted.

Captain Johan Vasquez had a dramatic second half, netting an equalizer in the 50th minute before receiving a red card as the match drew to a close.

After allowing seven goals in their first three fixtures, the Grifone saw Frosinone unleash around 26 attempts, raising alarms about their defensive setup under Daniele De Rossi.

With such a sluggish start to their league campaign, head coach De Rossi is expected to face pressure to avoid an early cup exit.

The Ligurian club, who triumphed in the Coppa Italia way back in 1937, dispatched Ascoli 4-1 in this season’s opening round, scoring twice in each half at their home stadium.

While ensuring their place in Serie A remains the top priority, they will hope to advance beyond the round of 16, having been eliminated at that stage on nine occasions in the last 11 years, including a 4-0 loss to Atalanta last season.

However, both little Sudtirol and the Italian champions Inter stand between them and a rare opportunity to advance to the latter stages.

Sudtirol, with a limited background and a home ground accommodating approximately 5,000 spectators, will undoubtedly be the underdogs in this matchup.

The Tyrolean club has been performing beyond expectations in Italy’s second division, having maintained their status for four straight years since earning promotion from Serie C.

Appointed this summer, head coach Davide Possanzini has made a positive impression, advancing past Catanzaro in the cup and securing eight points from a possible 12 in the league.

Possanzini, who advocates for a style of play reminiscent of Roberto De Zerbi – having worked alongside the Tottenham Hotspur manager for seven years – saw his team miss out on another win over the weekend.

Leading at home against Modena through Alvin Okoro’s first-half goal, they conceded an equalizer in the 88th minute that effectively cost them the top position in Serie B.

Nonetheless, Sudtirol should head into Tuesday’s match with ample confidence, a stark contrast to their struggling opponents.

Team News

In preparation for league matches against relegation contenders Frosinone and Parma, De Rossi is anticipated to rotate his squad for this cup encounter midweek.

Lorenzo Colombo may be rested following his crucial penalty miss on Saturday, while recent signings like Cody Drameh and Hamed Traore could make their first starts.

The only confirmed absentees for Genoa are Elias Havel and Lorenzo Venturino, while Sudtirol will be without Hamza El Kaouakibi.

After scoring the late goal that pushed the first-round tie to penalties, Kenny Mixtur, representing Guadeloupe, will aim to make an impression in Possanzini’s starting XI at Stadio Ferraris.

Both Okoro and Rares Burnete, who are on loan from Serie A teams, are also in contention to feature in the visitors’ attack; Kevin Zeroli, on the books of AC Milan, is likely to be included in midfield.

Genoa probable starting XI:

Stolz; Otoa, Marcandalli, Vasquez; Drameh, Amorim, Meichtry, Mitaj; Traore, El Shaarawy; Vitinha

Sudtirol probable starting XI:

Plizzari; Stivanello, Giorgini, Veroli; Molina, Rispoli, Tait, Bjarkason; Zeroli, Vasic; Burnete

While this matchup has the potential for an upset, Genoa’s head coach De Rossi is unlikely to underestimate Sudtirol, recognizing that his job could be at stake.

It may prove to be a tough contest, but the top-tier side is expected to progress to face the formidable Inter in the last 16.