On 3 July 2008, Palladino was signed by Genoa in co-ownership deal, priced €5million (for 50% rights), joined along with defender Domenico Criscito on loan. In his first season at Genoa, Palladino score three goals and managed seven assists in 30 matches, including an 88th-minute winner over former club Juventus. The following season he managed four goals and two assists in 30 games. In the 2010–11 season, he made just 6 appearances in the first half of the season, struggling with two separate injuries, each keeping him out for over a month.