21 March 2015
Genoa, Serie A’s fourth most successful side with nine domestic titles, have enjoyed a much-improved season since finishing 14th last time out.
With nine victories, ten draws and seven defeats this term so far, the Grifone have become one of the top flight’s teams to watch. Furthermore, Gian Piero Gasperini’s charges are the only side to have defeated the Bianconeri this term.
The Rossoblu’s swashbuckling style of play has earned praise from many quarters of the press and they possess talent in abundance in all areas of the pitch.
Juventus.com takes a closer look at a trio of players who have contributed to Genoa’s ongoing form: future Azzurri star Andrea Bertolacci, tricky winger Juraj Kucka and pacy forward M’Baye Niang.
Name: Andrea Bertolacci*
Age:* 24*
Position: *Attacking midfielder
Andrea Bertolacci is an exciting talent that keeps things ticking at the heart of the Genoa midfield.
The 24-year-old, who was born in Italy’s capital and is currently co-owned with Roma, influences the Rossoblu’s all-round play and has bagged two goals and six assists in 24 Serie A appearances this season.
Bertolacci is also adept with his defensive duties and recently caught the eye of Italy boss Antonio Conte, with the Lecce-born tactician giving him his full debut during November's 1-0 friendly triumph over Albania at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
One for trivia fanatics, the number 10 scored his first ever goal in professional football during Lecce’s 2-0 victory over the Bianconeri four years ago.
Name: Juraj Kucka
Age: 28
Position: Attacking midfielder/Winger
Twenty-eight-year-old Juraj Kucka is one of the more dangerous players the Old Lady will have to watch out for on Sunday afternoon.
The 6ft 1in midfielder joined the Grifone in 2011 from Czech Republic outfit Sparta Prague and has now made over a centenary of appearances for the club.
Normally deployed on the left of an attacking trident, the Slovakian is an imposing presence and regularly tests goalkeepers with shots from distance.
Kucka likes to take opposition defenders on with his expert dribbling ability and is also an aerial threat from set pieces.
Name: M’Baye Niang.
Age: 20*
Position:* Forward
Coveted by many top European clubs over the last few years, striker M’Baye Niang joined the Rossoblu on loan from Serie A rivals Milan in the winter transfer window and has proved a sensation in Liguria.
The youngster, who had never scored for the Rossoneri, immediately opened his Genoa account with a brace during February’s 5-2 triumph over Verona before striking in a 1-1 draw with Empoli earlier this month.
Niang is able to play in a variety of positions across the frontline that fit into Gasperini’s 3-4-3 formation, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to the cause.
Despite having represented France’s Under-21 squad on three occasions, the speed merchant has been touted to be called up for Senegal’s national team in the near future.
