Torino vs. Genoa Matchday 9 Picks: Can Il Toro Finally Collect 3 Points?

Genoa's 2021-22 Serie A campaign has started horribly, and they're positioned in the bottom three heading into Matchday 9. The sale of Genoa won't produce positive results overnight, as poor management could've already left its mark heading into Turin this Friday afternoon.

Torino hasn't started well during this Serie A season. But compared to Friday's opposition, they should find solace in knowing a full three points is reasonably achievable. Both Torino and Genoa aren't delivering on the pitch, but the 12th-placed Turin-based team should hold the slight advantage.

Here are my picks and predictions for Friday's Serie A encounter between Torino and Genoa (Odds via DraftKings).

Torino vs. Genoa

Date/Time: Friday, October 22 at 12:30 p.m ET

TV: CBS Sports

Location: Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, Turin, Italy

Torino vs. Genoa Odds Analysis

The home-team betting odds of -125 could become a steal if Genoa's recent form extends into Matchday 9. We can't ignore Torino's lack of winning, but Genoa is the club to pounce on if Il Toro is going to find an easy three-point victory any time soon.

Torino's betting line will likely lose value as game time approaches. Even sharp bettors who find value in underdogs will struggle to put their faith in Genoa.

Under 2.5 goals seems likely, and with a price of -115, there's value in a fixture I expect to end with a tight score line. A Friday night game in Italy featuring two underperforming teams isn't likely to provide a high-scoring affair.

SEE ALSO: Top Premier League Matchday 9 Betting Picks

Torino vs. Genoa Picks

Torino to win (-125)Under 2.5 goals (-115)Torino win and under 3.5 goals (+120)

Torino vs. Genoa Predictions

Il Toro suffered a 1-0 defeat to Napoli in their previous Serie A fixture. And before the international break, Torino played to an identical score line while losing the Turin derby to Juventus. But conceding just one goal against two of the division's best isn't too shabby. Torino competed well in both games, which suggests a win over Genoa shouldn't be too difficult.

Torino might be winless in their previous four Serie A matches, but the club's defensively sound approach has prevented many teams from scoring over the season's first eight matchdays. Torino also faced the elite squads of Napoli, Juventus, and Atalanta during their four-game winless run.

It's easy to look down upon Torino's form, but the level of competition has been challenging. And yet they've remained the league's third-lowest conceding team. Only Napoli and AC Milan have given up fewer goals than Torino, which has benefitted from quality play out of their defenders and goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.

After already facing three of the top five teams in Serie A, coach Ivan Juric should see Genoa as the perfect opportunity to collect his first win since defeating Sassuolo in September.

Under 2.5 Goals (-115)

The team's results aren't reflecting Il Toro's entire season thus far, and they deserve some slack while dealing with a significant number of injuries.

But although Torino can outperform Genoa, don't expect a goal-fest.

Torino's impressive goals-conceded mark (eight) is matched with low scoring (nine). They'll likely win with ease on Friday, but one or two goals should complete the task.

Making matters worse for Genoa, three of their key defenders - Nikola Maksimovic, Zinho Vanheusden, and Davide Biraschi - are doubtful to play while injured.

Torino Win and Under 3.5 Goals (+120)

For bettors looking to add plus-money value, the win/total market is offering up a generous price on Torino to win and the score to be kept under four goals.

Torino's home form isn't encouraging by any means, but now they're facing a relegation side in Genoa that handed Salernitana their first win of the season last time out.

The under 3.5 goals is nearly a lock, as only one of Torino's fixtures has ended with more than three goals this term.