Genoa can put a difficult start to the season behind them with a strong run after the international break. During the break, they will play a friendly against Rapid Bucharest, giving them a chance to assess their squad depth — many players will be highly motivated.
Rapid Bucharest
Even a friendly against Serie A opposition means a great deal to Rapid Bucharest. They went into the break in excellent form, with four straight wins since the start of September and at least two goals scored in three of them. On the other hand, the Romanian side kept no clean sheets: even the less threatening Voluntari (2:1) and Argeș Pitești (3:1) created chances.
Genoa
Genoa's only successes this season have come in the Coppa Italia, where they have progressed through two rounds, beating Ascoli (4:1) and Südtirol (1:0). In Serie A, Genoa are in the relegation zone — their only point came from a home draw with newly promoted Frosinone (1:1). Against Parma (1:2), Genoa looked more threatening in attack (0.70-0.53 in xG and 21-5 in shots) but came away with nothing.
Rapid Bucharest vs Genoa Prediction
The match against Rapid will help De Rossi assess his squad. Genoa have the potential to finish in Serie A's top 10, so their opponents from Bucharest will spend a lot of time defending. We expect Genoa to score.
