The 2009-10 campaign proved to be a difficult, transitional season for Genoa as The Griffins fell short of repeating their European heroics, ultimately securing a mid-table 9th-place finish in Serie A. The season was defined by the impossible task of replacing the departed goalscoring talisman Diego Milito, and despite the arrival of Hernán Crespo and the contributions of Rodrigo Palacio, whose 7 league goals topped the chart, the team lacked a consistent attacking punch. Amid a turbulent season that included a short-lived European adventure in the inaugural Europa League, the campaign is remembered for the turnover in strikers and the defensive struggles that prevented Gian Piero Gasperini's side from rejoining the elite.