Genoa visit Hellas Verona on Monday evening for a Serie A encounter which some doubted would even take place just a week ago, while their president claimed the youth team might have to travel.
The visitors have only played two games to date, as their previous fixture - against Torino, before the international break - was cancelled due to 22 positive COVID-19 tests at the club.
Even with a number of those affected now returning to the squad, the Grifoni will have their work cut out at Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi, as they face a Verona side with two wins out of three so far.
Match preview
One of the hosts' 'wins' was, in fact, initially a creditable draw with Roma, later transmuted into a 3-0 win due to a clerical oversight in Roma's administration department.
Despite striking the woodwork twice themselves, Verona conceded 21 shots and had just 39% of possession against the capital club. Nevertheless, their six points accrued so far puts I Gialloblu on a strong footing for the rest of the season.
Having been one of the revelations of last season, following promotion via the playoffs, Verona's highly-rated tactician Ivan Juric agreed to extend his stay in the summer despite supposed interest from Fiorentina and Torino.
A disciple of attack-obsessed Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini, the Croat coach is an avowedly front foot, high-press man and will expect his team to take the game to Genoa.
With crisis-ridden visitors in Genoa this Monday, it is inarguable that Juric's side will be favourites for the win, even though there is a growing injury list in the Verona camp.
Genoa shipped six goals to Napoli at the end of September and have not taken to the field since, due to the virus outbreak and a fortunately-timed international hiatus. In the intervening period uncertainty has reigned, but now there appears to be a little light at the end of the tunnel.
Players including veteran midfielder Valon Behrami, Davide Biraschi, goalkeepers Mattia Perin and Federico Marchetti, and ex-Ajax schemer Lasse Schone were joined on Friday by Marko Pjaca and Luca Pellegrini in returning to the fold, following two consecutive negative tests.
Rolando Maran will, therefore, be able to put out a patched-up side, though the outcome of such recent turmoil and decimated preparations must count against his chances of pulling off a surprise win in Veneto.
Last season, Verona defeated Genoa 2-1 at the Bentegodi, though Genoa later turned the tables with a 3-0 win on the final day of the campaign - a game notable for featuring three red cards, two of which came in stoppage time.
That win put the seal on Genoa's Serie A survival. They must get back on track soon if they are to avoid another long season of looking over their shoulder at the trapdoor.
Hellas Verona Serie A form: WWL
Genoa Serie A form: WL
Team News
Verona captain, former Genoa stalwart Miguel Veloso, will return from a calf injury but is not expected to start. Instead, Adrien Tameze and Manchester City loanee Ivan Ilic are set to run the Gialloblu midfield.
Nikola Kalinic, recently signed from Atletico Madrid, is poised to make his debut - the former Atletico Madrid man should start on the bench. Andrea Favilli, on loan from the visitors, may start instead.
Antonin Barak and German defender Koray Gunter are both missing due to failed COVID-19 tests, while Mert Cetin and Marco Benassi will not feature due to injury.
Genoa are still without club captain Domenico Criscito, Mattia Destro and Davide Zappacosta as they have yet to conclude their period of quarantine.
Goalkeeper Mattia Perin's return to action is most welcome and the loanee from Juventus will start behind a 3-5-2 for Maran's side, for whom the width offered by Paolo Ghiglione and Lennart Czyborra will be vital.
Hellas Verona possible starting lineup:
Silvestri; Empereur, Lovato, Ceccherini; Faraoni, Tameze, Ilic, Lazovic; Zaccagni, Salcedo; Favilli
Genoa possible starting lineup:
Perin; Goldaniga, Zapata, Masiello; Ghiglione, Badelj, Zajc, Rovella, Czyborra; Pandev, Shomurodov
We say: Hellas Verona 2-0 Genoa
Taking into account all the disruption caused by a serious virus outbreak, Genoa head into this game relieved to have key men back in the fold but also short of collective preparation.
Verona, then, can take advantage to increase their points tally and give an opportunity to thoroughbred signing Nikola Kalinic to settle into life at the Bentegodi.
Top betting tip
Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting a double chance bet on a home win or draw in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Home/Draw:databody check tags ::
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