Genoa have had a tough pre-season, with a string of defeats in friendly matches. Their latest loss came at home to Deportivo La Coruna in the Trofeo Spagnolo, with Mario Mitaj giving away a cheap goal that sealed the win for the Spanish side. The Italian club's new signing has struggled to make an impact since joining the Grifone.
Genoa's struggles are partly due to the transfer window's late start, which has been a major issue for the club, as well as other clubs. Gasperini complained after a 3-0 friendly defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion that it was "a problem" for all clubs that they would not have a complete squad once the campaign kicks off. De Rossi agrees with Gasperini's sentiments, calling the transfer deadline being after the second Serie A match of the season "idiotic" and a "total red tape abomination". He believes that the situation is devastating for everyone in the sport and that it just drags on.
The transfer market is also to blame for the absence of Brooke Norton-Cuffy in the match against Deportivo La Coruna, with De Rossi stating that the player was "perfectly able to play today" but was rested due to the market situation. The transfer window's late start has been a contentious issue in Italian football, with many coaches and players expressing their frustration with the current system.