Lazio's Champions League Chase Hits Genoa Roadblock

The race for Champions League qualification in Italy’s Serie A is heating up, with Lazio desperate to return to Europe’s premier club competition next season. However, a potentially tricky test awaits them on Friday as they travel to take on a Genoa side battling to avoid relegation.

Lazio currently sit 6th in the Serie A table, just 3 points behind 5th placed Roma with a game in hand. A top 4 finish would book their spot in next season’s Champions League group stage, while 5th could still earn them a spot in the qualifying rounds.

But Igor Tudor’s men cannot afford any more slip ups like the recent derby loss to Roma if they want to achieve their European dream. Every point is crucial at this stage, including the trip to face Genoa at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

“We cannot underestimate Genoa, despite their position in the table,” warned Tudor. “They are fighting for survival and will make life very difficult for us. We have to match their intensity and desire.”

Genoa currently lie 12th in Serie A, 7 points clear of the relegation places after an up-and-down campaign under new coach Alberto Gilardino. Home form has been a particular issue, with just 4 wins at the Luigi Ferraris all season.

The Rossoblu will see the visit of one of Italy’s top sides as a chance to cause an upset and pull further clear of trouble. In-form Icelandic striker Albert Gudmundsson has scored in each of Genoa’s last three games and will be their main threat against Lazio’s makeshift defence.

Tudor has a lengthy injury list to contend with, as star striker Ciro Immobile remains sidelined with a knee injury. Summer signing Marcos Castellanos from Boca Juniors is expected to lead the line instead.

In midfield, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic will be looking to take control of proceedings and show why he is regarded as one of the best box-to-box midfielders in Europe. His driving runs from deep could be key to breaking down a stubborn Genoa backline.

For Lazio’s Champions League prospects, dropped points simply cannot be afforded anymore at this stage of the season. A win would see them close to within just 2 points of Roma and keep their top 4 hopes very much alive.

But Genoa have caused problems for the bigger teams on home soil before and will be desperate to continue their upward trajectory away from relegation danger. An intense, high-stakes battle under the lights at the Luigi Ferraris beckons.