Cheikh Niasse returns to the Hellas Verona starting eleven on Saturday, ending a three-month wait for a place in Paolo Zanetti’s lineup for the Serie A clash away to Genoa at 14:00 GMT.
Niasse, who made only seven league appearances this season, sees this match as an opportunity to show Paolo Zanetti that he deserves a more consistent role.
The 25-year-old Senegalese midfielder last started on the opening day of the Serie A campaign and has waited since August for another chance to play from the outset.
Zanetti includes him in the side for Matchday 13, giving Niasse a stage to push for more responsibility in a Hellas Verona team that continues to search for stability in midfield.
Niasse enters this match determined to shift the hierarchy within the squad and convince his coach that he can influence matches with greater regularity.
This return to the starting eleven also gives Niasse a timely opportunity on the international front.
With the Senegal national team preparing to announce its AFCON squad in the coming days, Niasse wants to give coach Pape Thiaw a reason to reconsider the competition for midfield spots.
A strong performance in Genoa could reopen the debate ahead of the continental tournament.
Niasse now faces a crucial moment in his season, with club and country watching closely as he steps back into the starting lineup for the first time in three months.
In campo così per #GenoaVerona 🟨🟦#DaiVerona #SerieAEnilive pic.twitter.com/faecCYNonc
— Hellas Verona FC (@HellasVeronaFC) November 29, 2025
