Leicester City ended their pre-season on a losing note, falling 1-0 to Genoa in their final friendly. Despite the defeat, two players-Jayden Joseph and Sammy Braybrooke-showed strong form, staking their claims for a spot in the starting XI as the Championship season approaches. The Foxes, who finished 23rd in the Championship last season with 46 points (12W-16D-18L), are looking to bounce back after a disappointing campaign.
What happened in the match?
Leicester started brightly, with new signing Liam Cullen testing Genoa’s goalkeeper Justin Bijlow twice. Sammy Braybrooke also forced a save from close range. However, the game took a turn when Ben Nelson was injured in a tangle of legs and had to be substituted. After the break, Genoa took control, and Lorenzo Colombo scored the winning goal in the second half, slotting past Jakub Stolarczyk after Luke Thomas failed to clear the ball.
Standout performances
Jayden Joseph was impressive on the right flank, showing composure and contributing offensively. Sammy Braybrooke also had a strong game, creating chances and holding his own against bigger players. Caleb Okoli’s physicality and athleticism were key in defense, while Jakub Stolarczyk made a crucial late save. However, Nelson’s injury remains a concern.
What’s next for Leicester City?
With the Championship season looming, Russell Martin will need to assess Nelson’s fitness and decide on his strongest XI. The Foxes, who conceded 68 goals last season, will be looking to tighten up defensively. Their first league match is against Notts County, and Braybrooke and Joseph have put themselves in contention to start.
