Having made a confident and composed start to the new Serie A campaign, Juventus now prepare for their first away test of the season as they travel to the historic Stadio Luigi Ferraris to face Genoa on Sunday. The Bianconeri, fresh off a hard-earned victory over Parma, will be eager to build on their early momentum and assert themselves as genuine title contenders after a turbulent few seasons. Their hosts, meanwhile, were held to a goalless draw in their own opening fixture, and while the result may not have thrilled the home faithful, there were flashes of promise that suggest Patrick Vieira’s side could once again punch above their weight in the months ahead. The clash at Marassi promises to be a fascinating encounter between two sides with contrasting ambitions but shared histories, and it arrives at a moment when both clubs are seeking to define their identity in the early stages of the 2025–26 season.
Juventus’ opening-day win over Parma was far from a walk in the park. For nearly an hour, the Bianconeri found themselves locked in a tactical stalemate, unable to break down a well-drilled defensive unit. Yet, patience and persistence eventually paid off when summer signing Jonathan David produced a moment of quality to break the deadlock. His clever finish—deft, instinctive, and clinical—was the kind of contribution Juventus fans had hoped for when the Canadian striker arrived in Turin. David’s goal not only set the tone for the match but also symbolized a new chapter for the club, one that emphasizes attacking fluidity and technical finesse. Shortly after, Dusan Vlahovic—whose contract saga has cast a long shadow over the club’s summer—emerged from the bench to deliver the knockout blow. His goal, a powerful and precise strike, reminded everyone of his undeniable talent, even as his future remains uncertain. The win was marred slightly by Andrea Cambiaso’s reckless red card for violent conduct, but overall, it was a satisfactory start for a team desperate to move past the instability of recent seasons.
Indeed, Juventus enter this campaign with a renewed sense of purpose under Igor Tudor, whose impact since taking over as interim manager last season has been nothing short of transformative. After guiding the team to a fourth-place finish amidst chaos and controversy, Tudor was rewarded with a longer contract and the opportunity to lead the club into the Club World Cup. Though Juventus exited in the last 16, the experience served as a valuable proving ground for the Croatian tactician and his evolving squad. A shortened pre-season followed, culminating in the win over Parma, and now Tudor’s record stands at just one defeat in his last ten Serie A matches—a testament to his tactical acumen and ability to galvanize a squad that had lost its way. Last weekend’s victory also marked the 150th win of Tudor’s managerial career, a milestone that reflects both his longevity and his growing reputation in European football.
Historically, Juventus have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture, having lost only once in their last ten league meetings with Genoa. Last season, they claimed maximum points in both encounters, including a dominant 3-0 win at Marassi in which Vlahovic netted twice. Genoa’s home record against the Bianconeri is similarly bleak, with just four wins in the last twelve contests. However, under the stewardship of Patrick Vieira—a former Juventus midfielder and World Cup winner—the Grifone have begun to carve out a new identity. Vieira’s arrival last season brought tactical discipline and a sense of ambition to a club that has often flirted with relegation. His leadership guided Genoa to a solid mid-table finish in 2024–25, and the early signs this season suggest that the team is continuing to evolve. An unbeaten start, including a convincing 3-0 win over Vicenza in the Coppa Italia, has injected optimism into the fanbase, and while the draw against Lecce may have felt like a missed opportunity, the performance was encouraging.
Against Lecce, Genoa showcased their attacking intent and creativity, with full-back Aaron Martin and new signings Valentin Carboni and Nicolae Stanciu all coming close to scoring. Martin’s overlapping runs and pinpoint deliveries added a dynamic edge to the left flank, while Carboni—on loan from Inter Milan—demonstrated his technical prowess and vision in the final third. Stanciu, the Romanian national team captain, brought composure and leadership to midfield, and his ability to dictate tempo will be crucial against Juventus’ high-pressing style. Despite failing to find the net, Genoa’s attacking patterns were fluid and purposeful, and Vieira will be hoping that his side can convert those chances into goals on Sunday. Historically slow starters, Genoa have managed just two points from their last four Serie A openers, but with the international break looming, they will be desperate to secure their first league win and build momentum heading into September.
Juventus, however, will arrive in Genoa with confidence and a clear game plan. The absence of Cambiaso due to suspension is a blow, particularly given his versatility and energy on the flanks. Injuries to Juan Cabal and Fabio Miretti further complicate matters, with the latter having impressed during a loan spell at Marassi last season. Miretti’s absence removes a creative spark from midfield, but Tudor has options. Weston McKennie, the ever-reliable utility man, may be asked to fill in on the wing, offering defensive solidity and box-to-box energy. Meanwhile, Nicolo Savona is set to complete a move to Nottingham Forest, further thinning Juventus’ depth in wide areas. Up front, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Vlahovic’s contract has seen him fall out of favor, and David is expected to lead the line once again. His movement, finishing, and ability to link play make him a natural fit for Tudor’s system, and his partnership with Kenan Yildiz could be the key to unlocking Genoa’s defense.
Yildiz, in particular, has emerged as one of Serie A’s brightest young talents. Since March, he has recorded 11 goal involvements across all competitions—a league-high during that period—and his form shows no signs of slowing. The Turkish forward combines flair with intelligence, and his ability to drift between lines and exploit space makes him a nightmare for defenders. His chemistry with David is already evident, and together they offer Juventus a dynamic and unpredictable attacking duo. With Federico Chiesa and Manuel Locatelli providing support from midfield, the Bianconeri have the tools to dominate possession and create chances. Defensively, the absence of Cambiaso will require adjustments, but the backline—anchored by Bremer and Danilo—remains solid and experienced.
Genoa, meanwhile, will look to Lorenzo Colombo to lead their attack following the departure of last season’s top scorer Andrea Pinamonti. Colombo, still developing but full of promise, offers physicality and aerial threat, and his hold-up play will be vital in bringing others into the game. Supporting him will be Gronbaek, Carboni, and Stanciu—all of whom have impressed since joining the club. Their ability to interchange positions and create overloads in wide areas could stretch Juventus’ defense and create openings. Injuries to Caleb Ekuban and Sebastian Otoa limit Vieira’s options, but the return of Leo Østigård to full fitness is a timely boost. The Norwegian center-back brings aggression and leadership to the backline, and his duel with David could be one of the defining battles of the match.
Tactically, the game is likely to be a chess match between two managers who value structure and adaptability. Tudor’s Juventus will press high, look to dominate midfield, and rely on quick transitions to exploit space. Vieira’s Genoa, on the other hand, will aim to absorb pressure, hit on the counter, and use their technical midfielders to disrupt Juve’s rhythm. Set pieces could play a decisive role, with both teams possessing aerial threats and well-rehearsed routines. Discipline will also be key—Cambiaso’s red card last weekend is a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift, and both sides will need to maintain composure in what promises to be a high-intensity encounter.
Beyond the tactical nuances, the match carries emotional weight for both clubs. For Juventus, it’s about proving that their resurgence under Tudor is sustainable and that they can challenge for the Scudetto once again. For Genoa, it’s a chance to measure themselves against one of Italy’s elite and to show that their progress under Vieira is more than just a fleeting moment. The fans at Marassi will create a cauldron of noise and passion, and the players will feel the intensity from the first whistle. It’s a fixture steeped in history, but also one that reflects the changing landscape of Serie A—a league where tradition meets innovation, and where every match can redefine a season.
As Sunday approaches, anticipation builds. The narratives are rich, the stakes are high, and the stage is set for a compelling showdown. Juventus will arrive with confidence, Genoa with belief, and both sides with something to prove. Whether it ends in triumph or frustration, the match will offer insight into the ambitions, strengths, and vulnerabilities of two clubs at different stages of their journey. And for the fans, it will be another chapter in the enduring drama of Italian football.
