Daniele De Rossi Hands Baldanzi First Start in Genoa-Sassuolo Clash
Genoa manager Daniele De Rossi has handed a first start to new signing Tommaso Baldanzi for this afternoon's Serie A fixture against Sassuolo. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, a January loan signing from Roma, has been named in the starting lineup for the crucial home match at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Baldanzi, who made a substitute appearance in the previous match, is set to make his first start for the Grifone, having been integrated into De Rossi's 3-5-2 formation for the 32nd matchday of the Serie A season.
The 12:30 PM kickoff at the Marassi sees Genoa, managed by the former Roma captain, looking to build on their mid-table security. De Rossi has opted for a three-man defence of Marcandalli, Ostigard, and Vasquez, with Baldanzi and Malinovskyi operating in the midfield behind forwards Vitinha and Colombo. The inclusion of Baldanzi, a highly-rated Italian youth international, indicates De Rossi's intent to add creative impetus in the final third against a Sassuolo side fighting relegation.
Sassuolo, managed by Grosso, have named a strong lineup featuring the attacking trio of Domenico Berardi, Andrea Pinamonti, and Armand Lauriente. The Neroverdi, currently in a tense battle for survival, will be looking to their star forward Berardi to provide a moment of inspiration. The home side will be hoping that Baldanzi can provide the creative spark to unlock a Sassuolo defence that has conceded the second-most goals in the league this season.
Baldanzi, a product of the Empoli youth academy, joined Genoa on a six-month loan deal with an option to buy in the final hours of the January transfer window. The young playmaker had limited opportunities at Roma and the move was designed to secure him regular first-team football, a need underscored by his immediate inclusion in the starting eleven. His performance will be closely watched by the Giallorossi, who are monitoring his development closely ahead of a potential recall.
For Genoa, currently sitting comfortably in 12th place, the match represents a chance to consolidate a top-half position. For Sassuolo, mired in the relegation zone, the stakes could not be higher. A positive result for the visitors would provide a huge boost in their fight to avoid the drop, adding a layer of high-stakes tension to Baldanzi’s first start in a Genoa shirt. The tactical battle between De Rossi’s new-look midfield and Grosso’s attack-minded Sassuolo will be a key subplot, with the young Italian's performance central to Genoa's creative output.
