Genoa vs Cagliari Prediction & Match Preview (Monday, 12 January)

Our Genoa vs Cagliari Prediction & Match Preview sets the stage for an intriguing Serie A encounter. Scheduled for Monday, 12 January, this fixture will take place at the historic Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Both teams are seeking crucial points, making this match highly significant for their league positions.

Genoa, playing at home, will look to use their familiarity with the Stadio Luigi Ferraris to secure a victory. Meanwhile, Cagliari are aiming to upset the hosts and climb the Serie A table. With both sides eager to make their mark, this promises to be a competitive affair, drawing the attention of fans and punters alike.

Genoa vs Cagliari Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score – Yes	1.8

Considering recent trends and the current form of both teams, our recommended betting tip is BTTS – Yes (Both Teams to Score). This selection is supported by their head-to-head history, with their last three encounters all ending in score draws, indicating a strong likelihood of both teams finding the net.

• Both teams have demonstrated defensive vulnerabilities, making it likely that they will concede goals.
• Genoa and Cagliari have a history of high-scoring matches, with their last three meetings all ending in score draws.
• Genoa’s recent home win and Cagliari’s spirited performances suggest both teams are capable of scoring.

Betting Odds

Genoa enter this Serie A clash as favourites, with odds of 2.07 reflecting confidence in a home victory. Cagliari, meanwhile, are priced at 4.13, indicating a tougher challenge on the road.

Betting Tip	Odds
Genoa to win	2.07
Draw	3
Cagliari to win	4.13

The draw is valued at 3.00, which could appeal to those anticipating a closely contested match. Given both teams’ recent performances, punters may also find value in the over 2.5 goals market.

Genoa Analysis & Recent Performance

Genoa’s recent form has been underwhelming, with the team failing to secure a win in their last five matches, recording two draws and three losses. Their most recent outing, a 1-1 draw against AC Milan, highlights their ongoing struggle to turn performances into victories.

Home Side	Away Side	Result	League	Date
AC Milan	Genoa	1 – 1 (Draw)	Serie A	8 Jan 2026
Genoa	Pisa	1 – 1 (Draw)	Serie A	3 Jan 2026
Roma	Genoa	3 – 1 (Loss)	Serie A	29 Dec 2025
Genoa	Atalanta	0 – 1 (Loss)	Serie A	21 Dec 2025
Genoa	Inter	1 – 2 (Loss)	Serie A	14 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Genoa have averaged just 0.80 goals per game over their last five fixtures, while conceding an average of 1.60 goals per match. Although they have scored in four of these five games, defensive weaknesses are evident, with no clean sheets recorded. This vulnerability is further emphasised by conceding multiple goals in matches such as their 3-1 defeat to Roma.

Home vs Away Performance:
At home, Genoa’s struggles persist, with only one win in their last five home matches, alongside two draws and two defeats. They have scored in all but one of these home fixtures, but their defensive record is concerning, having conceded in every match. Their home win ratio stands at just 20%, underlining their difficulties in capitalising on home advantage.

Tactical Insights:

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The team sits 17th in the league, with a win ratio of only 16%. Lorenzo Colombo remains a key player, having scored four goals this season, but the team must tighten their defence and improve their conversion rate if they are to climb out of the relegation zone. Genoa’s current situation suggests a pressing need for tactical adjustments to strengthen both attack and defence.

Genoa Suspensions & Injuries

Genoa are facing a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injury. The absence of Benjamin Siegrist, Junior Messias, Albert Grønbæk, and Maxwel Cornet could significantly impact the team’s depth and tactical flexibility, particularly in attacking and midfield areas. Caleb Ekuban’s muscle injury further complicates matters, leaving Genoa with limited options up front. These injuries come at a difficult time as they prepare to face Cagliari.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Benjamin Siegrist	Broken finger	Mid January 2026
Junior Messias	Muscle injury	Mid January 2026
Albert Grønbæk	Muscle injury	Mid January 2026
Maxwel Cornet	Muscle injury	Mid January 2026
Caleb Ekuban	Muscle injury	Late January 2026

The starting line-up remains largely intact, with key players such as Vitinha and Lorenzo Colombo expected to lead the attack. However, the absence of Junior Messias and Maxwel Cornet may require tactical adjustments from coach Daniele De Rossi, potentially affecting the team’s width and creativity in midfield. Genoa may need to rely more on their central midfield to control the game and create chances.

Despite these injuries, Genoa’s defensive stability is largely unaffected, but the lack of attacking options could influence betting markets, potentially making Cagliari a more attractive proposition for punters. Genoa’s ability to adapt and find alternative solutions in attack will be crucial to their prospects in this match.

Genoa Key Players

Genoa’s attacking threat will rely heavily on Lorenzo Colombo, the team’s top scorer with four goals this season. Colombo’s ability to find the net is crucial for Genoa, especially given his knack for positioning and capitalising on defensive errors. His partnership with Vitinha up front is expected to be vital as they look to break through Cagliari’s defensive lines with pace and precision.

In midfield, Ruslan Malinovskyi emerges as a key playmaker, dictating the tempo and providing incisive passes to unlock defences. His vision and technical skills are complemented by Morten Frendrup and Morten Thorsby, who are expected to provide both defensive stability and transitional play. At the back, the trio of Leo Østigård, Johan Vásquez, and Alessandro Marcandalli will be pivotal in maintaining a solid defensive line, tasked with neutralising Cagliari’s attacking threats.

Expected line-up for Genoa

• Goalkeeper: Nicola Leali
• Defence: Leo Østigård, Johan Vásquez, Alessandro Marcandalli
• Midfield: Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Morten Frendrup, Ruslan Malinovskyi, Morten Thorsby, Aarón Martín Caricol
• Forward: Vitinha, Lorenzo Colombo

The tactical impact of these key players lies in their ability to control the game’s tempo and exploit Cagliari’s weaknesses. Colombo’s finishing and Malinovskyi’s creativity are Genoa’s main strengths, giving them an edge in attacking transitions and set-piece situations. The defensive unit’s ability to remain compact and organised will be crucial for a stable performance throughout the match.

Genoa Tactics & Formation

Genoa Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-5-2
• Key Forward: Lorenzo Colombo
• Midfield Engine: Ruslan Malinovskyi
• Defensive Concern: No clean sheets in the last five matches
• Notable Strategy: Utilising wing-backs for width and counter-attacks.

Daniele De Rossi’s Genoa side line up in a 3-5-2 formation, designed to offer both defensive coverage and attacking width. The use of wing-backs Brooke Norton-Cuffy and Aarón Martín Caricol provides significant width, allowing Genoa to stretch opponents and create space for central midfielders like Ruslan Malinovskyi.

In attack, the partnership of Vitinha and Lorenzo Colombo up front offers a blend of physical presence and finishing ability. Colombo, with four goals this season, is a key figure in attacking transitions. Genoa’s attacking play often relies on quick breaks, utilising the dynamic movement of their forwards.

Defensively, Genoa have struggled, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five outings. The back three of Leo Østigård, Johan Vásquez, and Alessandro Marcandalli need to tighten up, especially given the high volume of shots conceded, as seen in their recent draw against AC Milan where they allowed 30 shots.

Cagliari Analysis & Recent Performance

Cagliari’s recent form has been mixed, with their last five matches yielding one win, two draws, and two losses. Their only victory came against Torino with a 2-1 scoreline. However, the team has struggled defensively, conceding eight goals in these five games, highlighting a weakness at the back.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Cremonese	Cagliari	2 – 2 (Draw)	Serie A	8 Jan 2026
Cagliari	AC Milan	0 – 1 (Loss)	Serie A	2 Jan 2026
Torino	Cagliari	1 – 2 (Win)	Serie A	27 Dec 2025
Cagliari	Pisa	2 – 2 (Draw)	Serie A	21 Dec 2025
Atalanta	Cagliari	2 – 1 (Loss)	Serie A	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Cagliari’s attacking efforts have been fairly consistent, scoring in four of their last five matches and averaging 1.40 goals per game. Despite this, their defence has not held up, with no clean sheets during this period. Their away performance mirrors their overall form, with a 20% win ratio on the road, indicating challenges in securing points away from home.

Cagliari currently sit 14th in Serie A with 19 points. The team’s ability to score is evident, with their top scorer, Gennaro Borrelli, contributing three goals. However, maintaining defensive solidity is vital if Cagliari are to climb higher in the standings.

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Cagliari Suspensions & Injuries

Cagliari’s preparations for this Serie A clash against Genoa are hampered by a series of injuries that could affect their tactical setup. Notably, Andrea Belotti and Mattia Felici are sidelined with cruciate ligament injuries, ruling them out for the foreseeable future. The absence of Belotti, a potential leader in attack, may force Fabio Pisacane to rely more heavily on Gennaro Borrelli and Zito Luvumbo, who are expected to start. Zé Pedro’s knee injury status remains doubtful, which could impact defensive depth, although the starting trio of Sebastiano Luperto, Juan Rodríguez, and Yerry Mina remains intact.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Andrea Belotti	Cruciate ligament injury	Early April 2026
Zé Pedro	Knee injury	Doubtful
Mattia Felici	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Michael Folorunsho	Leg injury	Mid January 2026
Alessandro Deiola	Thigh injury	Late January 2026

Michael Folorunsho’s leg injury keeps him out until mid-January, limiting options in midfield, while Alessandro Deiola’s thigh injury sidelines him until late January, further reducing tactical flexibility. These absences are likely to put additional pressure on Michel Ndary Adopo and Matteo Prati to maintain midfield stability against a challenging Genoa side.

With no suspensions to contend with, Cagliari can at least field their strongest available line-up without disciplinary issues. However, the injuries could affect their match strategy, possibly leading to a more conservative approach to preserve squad energy and cover for unavailable players. This may influence betting markets, as Cagliari’s ability to compete could be perceived as diminished due to these key absences.

Cagliari Key Players

Cagliari’s attacking threat is led by their top scorer, Gennaro Borrelli, who has netted three goals this season. Borrelli’s physical presence and sharp finishing make him a constant danger in the opposition penalty area. His ability to hold up play enables Cagliari to transition quickly from defence to attack, creating opportunities for teammates.

In midfield, Michel Ndary Adopo plays a pivotal role, orchestrating play with his vision and passing accuracy. Alongside him, Matteo Prati provides defensive solidity and is crucial in breaking up opposition attacks. Gabriele Zappa’s versatility in midfield adds depth to Cagliari’s tactical setup, offering both attacking support and defensive cover.

Expected line-up for Cagliari:

• Goalkeeper: Elia Caprile
• Defenders: Sebastiano Luperto, Juan Rodríguez, Yerry Mina
• Midfielders: Marco Palestra, Michel Ndary Adopo, Matteo Prati, Gabriele Zappa
• Forwards: Zito Luvumbo, Gennaro Borrelli, Gianluca Gaetano

Defensively, Cagliari rely on the experience of Yerry Mina, whose aerial strength and leadership are vital for maintaining a strong backline. Sebastiano Luperto and Juan Rodríguez complement Mina with their reading of the game and ability to intercept dangerous plays. Elia Caprile, the goalkeeper, is expected to play a key role with his shot-stopping skills, ensuring Cagliari remain resilient at the back.

Cagliari Tactics & Formation

Cagliari Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Gennaro Borrelli
• Midfield Pivot: Michel Ndary Adopo and Matteo Prati
• Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wide play and counter-attacks.

Cagliari’s 3-4-3 formation provides a dynamic approach, allowing flexibility in both attack and defence. The back three of Sebastiano Luperto, Juan Rodríguez, and Yerry Mina form the defensive core, though recent performances indicate vulnerability, as they have conceded in each of the last five matches. The wing-backs, Marco Palestra and Gabriele Zappa, are crucial in transitioning from defence to attack, offering width and support.

In midfield, Michel Ndary Adopo and Matteo Prati serve as the engine room, responsible for breaking up opposition play and initiating forward movements. Their ability to control the tempo and distribute effectively will be vital against Genoa.

Offensively, Cagliari rely on the prowess of Gennaro Borrelli, who leads the attack with three goals this season. Alongside Zito Luvumbo and Gianluca Gaetano, Cagliari aim to exploit counter-attacking opportunities and stretch the opposition defence with pace and creativity, particularly focusing on wide areas.

Genoa vs Cagliari Head-to-Head Record

Genoa and Cagliari have faced each other 43 times, with Genoa holding a slight advantage in the head-to-head record, boasting 19 wins to Cagliari’s 16, alongside 8 draws. Their most recent meeting was a thrilling 3-3 draw at Cagliari’s ground in Serie A, demonstrating how evenly matched these teams can be.

The last time Genoa hosted Cagliari at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, they secured a convincing 3-0 victory in November 2024. This suggests Genoa may have the upper hand at home, especially considering their recent form in this fixture.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	League	Date
Cagliari	Genoa	3 – 3	Serie A	2025-11-22
Cagliari	Genoa	1 – 1	Serie A	2025-03-07
Genoa	Cagliari	2 – 2	Serie A	2024-11-24
Genoa	Cagliari	3 – 0	Serie A	2024-04-29
Cagliari	Genoa	2 – 1	Serie A	2023-11-05