Since new coach Ivan Jurić’s arrival, it’s been so far so good for Genoa. The Croatian tactician made his name after guiding Crotone to the top flight for the first time in the club’s history, and now has been tasked with ensuring the Grifone remain firmly away from the relegation zone. Two wins in two games moved them to the top of the table, and key striker Leonardo Pavoletti has picked up right from where he left off last season. And they made a notable signing – Giovanni Simeone, the son of Atletico Madrid icon Diego – albeit he has yet to se
Seems promising enough, right? However, fans will be warily optimistic for two reasons. First, the pair of 3-1 wins were against Cagliari and Crotone. Both are recently promoted outfits. And second, Genoa will be welcoming a side that has frustrated them for far too long: Fiorentina.
The Viola have heaped misery on the Grifone for nearly seven years, and will be determined to extend that record this Sunday. Fiorentina have had a sluggish start to the current season, to say the least. A 2-1 loss to Juventus was followed up by a 1-0 rather unconvincing win over Chievo. Paulo Sousa’s side want Champions League football next season, but they will obviously have to do better than this if they want to be even near the top three in May.
Genoa will be brimming with confidence after a good start, but let’s not forget their Fiorentina hoodoo. Will they finally break their “Viola curse” this Sunday?

Genoa vs Fiorentina: Head-to-head statistics

• Genoa have not beaten Fiorentina since October 28, 2009.
• Since then, they have lost seven out of their last 13 meetings.
• The Grifone have also failed to score in three out of their most recent five games against Fiorentina.
• However, four out of their last five clashes with Fiorentina resulted in draws. 3 goals were scored between the two sides in the last four games.
• Discipline seems to be an issue – three out of the last five fixtures have seen a red card. Genoa (2); Fiorentina (1)

Genoa vs Fiorentina: Prediction

As noted before, confidence within the Genoa camp is high. They’re on a five match winning streak (including friendlies). The same cannot be said for Fiorentina, unfortunately. However, one cannot forget the Grifone’s bad track record against the Viola. Trying to overcome a negative trend is no easy task, and the Tuscan side are certainly a step above Cagliari and Crotone. This is regardless of their recently uninspired form that has seen them lose four out of their past five games across all competitions.
In any case, Genoa will certainly get something out of this match. They’re in inspired form and should have no problems scoring. Still, the Viola will not be taken down easily and do possess the ability to concern their opponents. Given that the last four games only saw three goals, this could be another low-scoring fixture that concludes in a 1-1 draw.

Genoa vs Fiorentina: Betting tips

Under 2.5 goals at 4/6 (1.67)
Draw at 11/5 (3.2)