Genoa manager Alberto Runjaic provided a team update ahead of Friday’s Serie A match against Udinese, confirming that defender Diego Solet is expected to feature in the starting lineup, barring any late issues in the final training session. Midfielder Morten Bertola’s availability remains uncertain, though he has been making progress in his recovery. The match, set to be played at the Stadio Ferraris, is a crucial fixture for both sides as they navigate the latter stages of the league season.
Runjaic emphasized the challenge posed by Genoa, acknowledging their recent strong form and the impact of manager Daniele De Rossi. “We expect a very warm match, Genoa is in great shape,” Runjaic said. “They’ve collected many points at home, they capture advantage of their home games, they are pushed by the fans and play intensely, playing man-to-man. They managed to win against Roma at home, it’s a team that has managed to collect many points this season thanks to the arrival of De Rossi. It’s a new challenge, to be faced in the best way, I can’t wait to take the field.”
Bertola’s Recovery and Solet’s Readiness
The health of key players is always a focal point leading up to a match and Runjaic offered updates on both Bertola and Solet. Bertola has participated in parts of two training sessions with the team, signaling positive progress. “Bertola is working well to recover, he has done part of two training sessions with the team and I am very happy about this, he is recovering faster than we thought, perhaps he will reach with us, but even if he comes with us we don’t want to take risks, it would still be positive if he were with us,” Runjaic stated.
However, caution remains the priority with Bertola. The manager doesn’t want to rush his return and risk a setback. In contrast, Solet appears fully fit and ready to contribute from the start. “Solet is ready to play as a starter, if there is nothing serious in the final training session, he will play,” Runjaic confirmed. This provides a boost to Genoa’s defensive options as they prepare to face Udinese’s attack.
Tactical Considerations and Atta’s Development
Runjaic also discussed the team’s tactical approach, noting the effectiveness of the 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 formations. He highlighted the flexibility within the squad, with players like Zaniolo capable of fitting into different roles. “With this 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 we have worked well even in possession, it was not necessarily due to the absence of Zaniolo who has now returned. He can also play in that module,” Runjaic explained. “In recent games we have chosen a slightly different module but we haven’t done so badly. We continuously reflect on how to get the best out of the squad also based on the opponent, the 3-4-2-1 is a possibility.”
A key player in the midfield, Atta, has also been impressing the manager. Runjaic acknowledged that while it’s early in Atta’s professional career, his contributions have been significant. “Atta is still in his first season at these professional levels, we shouldn’t raise expectations too much on him, he has accumulated a lot of experience, he has scored two goals and five assists, it’s a good haul. The increase compared to last season is remarkable and he still has room for growth and development, in such a process You’ll see also highs and lows, we are satisfied with him, he is taking responsibility towards the team playing also in different roles such as mezzala or trequartista.”
Piotrowski’s Adaptation and Mental Fortitude
Runjaic also touched upon the progress of midfielder Piotrowski, who is still adapting to Serie A. “He is still settling in completely, he is getting used to Serie A and can do even more in terms of numbers,” Runjaic said. “We are talking about his growth path too, we talked about Atta, Arizala, Zaniolo, Miller, but also Piotrowski is a boy who is making a journey, I know that my boys give everything they have, sometimes the results are not what we hoped for, we demand a lot from our players and even players who are no longer so young have room for growth. Piotrowski is an intelligent boy, he gives us stability, he has character and can still improve.”
The manager stressed the importance of mental strength and collective effort in the upcoming match. “These are games where the mental aspect is fundamental. We will have to know how to fight together and suffer together, we will give everything to return home with a good result before the last break for the national teams. It is even more important to approach the match well to be able to have a good game and live a good break for the national teams.”
For Genoa, this match represents an opportunity to build on their recent positive momentum and solidify their position in Serie A. The return of Solet to the starting lineup will undoubtedly bolster their defense, while the potential availability of Bertola provides a welcome boost to the midfield options. The Stadio Ferraris is expected to be a vibrant atmosphere, and Runjaic hopes his team can harness that energy to secure a crucial victory before the international break.
Genoa will face Udinese on Friday, March 20th. The match is scheduled to begin at 8:45 PM CET (2:45 PM EST). Fans can follow the match live on ESPN+ in the United States and DAZN in Italy.
