Genoa (w) vs Roma (w) on 25 January
On January 25, Genoa (W) will host Roma (W) in a crucial Women’s Serie A clash at the Stadio Comunale di Marassi. Both teams are vying for positions that could define their seasons, with Roma aiming to solidify their spot near the top of the table, while Genoa, fighting to stay out of the relegation zone, will look to pull off an upset on home soil. With both teams having contrasting objectives, the stakes couldn't be higher, making this a captivating encounter in one of the most competitive leagues in European women’s football.
Genoa (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Genoa (W) have faced a tough season in Serie A, currently sitting towards the bottom of the table. In their last five matches, they have secured only two draws, a reflection of their struggles to balance both defensive solidity and attacking potency. Their form is underwhelming, with the team scoring just 4 goals in their last 5 games, which speaks volumes about their lack of cutting edge in the final third.
Genoa’s tactical setup is predominantly defensive, often lining up in a 4-4-2 formation, with two banks of four providing a compact block. This system allows them to frustrate opposition attacks and look for opportunities on the counter. However, the team's lack of possession in the final third (averaging only 38% possession in their last 5 matches) suggests they struggle to dictate the tempo of the game. Their low pass accuracy (around 70%) and limited build-up play further reflect their issues with maintaining control in the match.
Key players like midfielder Valentina Giacinti, who has been their main goal threat, will be crucial for Genoa. However, injuries to defensive stalwart Maria Soledad and midfielder Francesca Vitale may impact their ability to maintain defensive discipline and structure. Genoa will need to get the most out of their transition play, especially exploiting any space left by Roma’s advanced full-backs.
Roma (w): Tactical Approach and Current Form
Roma (W), by contrast, come into this match on the back of an impressive run of form, having won four out of their last five matches. Their attacking prowess has been a key feature, with the team averaging over 2 goals per game in their recent stretch. Under coach Alessandro Spugna, Roma has set up in a flexible 4-3-3 system that focuses on high pressing and dynamic wing play. They dominate possession, averaging around 62% in their last five matches, and their sharp passing sequences in the final third allow them to break down opposition defenses with ease.
Their attacking play is orchestrated by playmaker Manuela Giugliano, whose vision and passing range provide the creative spark in midfield. Roma’s frontline, led by forwards like Andressa Alves and the in-form Valentina Bergamaschi, has been clinical, constantly making runs into the channels and pulling opposing defenders out of position. They have been particularly effective on the wings, where full-backs like Lisa Boattin and Elena Linari provide overlapping runs that stretch the opposition and create space in the box.
Roma’s defensive structure has been solid, though occasionally vulnerable to counter-attacks, a potential area Genoa could look to exploit. However, Roma’s superior tactical discipline and depth should give them the edge in this matchup. The availability of all their key players, with no significant injuries or suspensions, further strengthens their prospects.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In their last five encounters, Roma (W) have dominated Genoa (W), winning four of the last five meetings, with one draw. Roma’s attacking quality has consistently outpaced Genoa, as they have scored an average of 3 goals per match in their recent fixtures against them. The psychological edge is firmly with Roma, who have demonstrated a higher level of intensity and tactical awareness in these matchups. Genoa, on the other hand, has often struggled to contain Roma’s attacking threat, particularly when Roma presses high and isolates the Genoa defense in one-on-one situations.
The most recent clash between these two sides in October 2025 saw Roma win 4-1, with their explosive attacking trio dismantling Genoa’s defense in the second half. If that trend continues, Genoa will need to find a way to disrupt Roma’s fluid attacking transitions and minimize space in behind their defense.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the critical duels in this match will be the battle between Genoa’s central defense and Roma’s attacking trio. Genoa's center-backs will need to stay alert to the intelligent movement of Bergamaschi and Alves, who will look to exploit any lapses in concentration. Genoa’s full-backs, who have struggled to contain quick and skillful wingers this season, will also face a tough test against Roma's wide players, particularly Boattin, whose overlapping runs will challenge Genoa’s defensive organization.
Another key battle will be in midfield, where Roma’s Giugliano will look to dictate the tempo of the game. If Genoa can disrupt her rhythm and prevent Roma from establishing control in midfield, they could limit Roma’s chances to penetrate the final third. However, if Giugliano is allowed to dictate play, Roma will likely dominate possession and create numerous attacking opportunities.
The final area to watch will be the wide areas of the pitch. With Roma’s high pressing game, they will look to pin Genoa’s full-backs deep into their own half, creating space for their forwards to exploit. If Genoa can break Roma’s press and transition quickly, they could create counter-attacking opportunities, but this will require precision in both passing and movement.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given Roma’s superior form, tactical flexibility, and overall squad strength, they will likely control much of the possession in this match. Genoa, however, will look to stay compact defensively, hoping to frustrate Roma’s attacks and spring counter-attacks when the opportunity arises. The match will likely unfold with Roma dominating possession, but Genoa will aim to stay resilient and capitalize on any mistakes.
Roma’s attacking talent and depth in midfield should give them the edge, but Genoa’s resilience in defense could make it difficult for Roma to break through easily. Expect Roma to edge this one, potentially 2-0 or 3-1, with a goal or two likely coming from quick transitions or set-piece situations.
Final Thoughts
This match will ultimately come down to how effectively Genoa can disrupt Roma’s fluid attacking play. If they can frustrate Roma’s buildup and capitalize on counter-attacks, they may have a chance to steal something from this encounter. However, with Roma in such excellent form, they should have enough quality to secure the three points.
Can Genoa hold off Roma’s attacking juggernaut, or will Roma continue their march towards the top? This match promises to reveal whether the bottom side can produce a shock result or if Roma will reinforce their dominance in the title race.
