Lazio vs Genoa

Lazio host Genoa at their home ground on Sunday, 30 August 2026, in the second round of Serie A. The Roman club are looking to bounce back from a shock 2-0 Coppa Italia defeat to Mantova, while Genoa begin their campaign under Daniele De Rossi aiming to improve on last season's narrow escape from relegation.

Team News and Injury Latest

Lazio boss Gennaro Gattuso has several selection headaches. Winger Gustav Isaksen, midfielder Patrick, and Danilo Cataldi are all sidelined, while summer departures of Hila and Provedel have further depleted the squad. The Coppa Italia loss exposed a lack of cutting edge, with last season's joint top scorers Isaksen and Pedro managing only five league goals each.

Genoa travel with their own injury list, missing Traoré, Venturino, Nuredini, and Meichtry. De Rossi is expected to set up in the 3-4-1-2 shape used in their opener, with Bijlow in goal behind Marcandalli, Otoa, and Vasquez. Wing-backs Norton-Cuffy and Mitaj will provide width, while Baldanzi supports strikers Vitinha and Colombo.

Lazio Form and Context

Lazio's pre-season was overshadowed by fan discontent and the immediate cup exit. Without European football, a slow start to the domestic campaign would pile pressure on Gattuso. The side showed last spring they can grind out results on the road – a 0-2 win at Bologna's Dall'Ara stands out – but they currently look less composed than during that run.

Genoa Rebuild under De Rossi

Genoa flirted with relegation last term, failing to win any of their first nine games under Patrick Vieira before the Frenchman was dismissed. De Rossi took over, guided them to 16th place, and now has his first full pre-season to instil a new identity. The club has blended experienced heads with younger prospects, targeting a mid-table finish this time. Avoiding another early slump is crucial.

Key Battle: Midfield Control

With Lazio missing Cataldi's passing range, much will depend on whether they can dominate the centre against Genoa's pairing of Frendrup and Ellertsson. Baldanzi's movement in the pocket could exploit any disorganisation, so Gattuso's midfield setup will be decisive. Lazio must also find a reliable route to goal now that Isaksen is absent, putting extra responsibility on Pedro and the supporting cast.

A first home win of the season would settle nerves at Lazio, while Genoa will be keen to prove they are no longer relegation candidates. Both sides are still finding their rhythm, making this an early test of character that could shape their respective opening months.