Genoa - injuries & suspensions October 2026

Genoa finished last season’s Serie A campaign in 16th place, earning 41 points. They were just seven points clear of the relegation zone. Daniele De Rossi kept his job and was able to prepare the team for the campaign from the start for the first time. However, the squad changed over the summer. Among those who arrived in Genoa were Djibril Sow, Hamed Traorè, Mario Mitaj and Milutin Osmajić. The club also signed Lorenzo Colombo permanently after his loan spell.

De Rossi gets more time

De Rossi took charge of Genoa during last season and helped them stay in Serie A. He has now had a full pre-season, which should make it easier for him to implement his ideas. Several players who can form the backbone of the team have stayed. Justin Bijlow is competing for the goalkeeper’s spot, while Johan Vásquez, Leo Østigård and Alessandro Marcandalli are key figures in defence. Morten Frendrup does a lot of work in midfield and is valued for his tackling and defensive commitment.

Key departures from the squad

Genoa lost several players over the summer. 19-year-old Jeff Ekhator, who had been with the club for years, moved to Juventus for around €16.4 million. Brooke Norton-Cuffy joined Hull City, leaving a gap at right wing-back. Rusłan Malinowski also left the club when his contract expired, joining Trabzonspor. The Ukrainian could create chances and threaten the opposition goal with long-range shots, so his departure weakened the midfield. Caleb Ekuban and Nicola Leali also said goodbye to Genoa, moving to Hellas Verona after their contracts ended.

Colombo and Baldanzi stay

One of the key decisions was signing Lorenzo Colombo permanently from Milan. The striker finished last season with seven goals and two assists, and his new deal keeps him at Genoa until 2029. Tommaso Baldanzi, on loan from AS Roma, is also set to stay in Genoa for longer. The attacking midfielder can play behind the striker or on the wing. He is comfortable on the ball and knows how to find space between the lines.

Milutin Osmajić arrived in Genoa from Preston North End. The Montenegrin will compete for a place in attack and provide an alternative to Colombo. He is physically strong and can battle with defenders in the penalty area. Vitinha and Junior Messias will also support Colombo in attack.

Sow and Traorè strengthen the midfield

Genoa signed Djibril Sow from Sevilla. The Swiss midfielder has played in several of Europe’s top leagues, and his experience could prove useful in midfield. He can contribute defensively, but should also help play the ball out from the back and transition into attack. Another option is Hamed Traorè, on loan from Marseille. The Ivorian can speed up play with his dribbling and look for passes into space.

Mario Mitaj, on loan from Al-Ittihad, has added depth at left-back. Kingsley Ehizibue and Cody Drameh have also joined the squad and can play on either flank. Stephan El Shaarawy has returned to the team as well and will play in Serie A again after leaving Roma. He can feature on the wing, and his experience will be useful in matches where it is difficult to create chances through team moves.

Searching for stability

Genoa want to avoid another fight for survival that lasts until the final rounds. After finishing 16th last season, the team first and foremost needs consistent results, especially against opponents in the lower half of the table. Much will depend on Colombo’s finishing and how the new midfield options affect the team’s organisation. Genoa do not need to challenge for European places straight away. At this stage, the priority is to build a comfortable cushion above the relegation zone and avoid a nervy end to the season.