Lead with a strong Fighting-type against Persian: Lucario, Machamp, Conkeldurr, Terrakion, or Hariyama
Use Counter, Power-Up Punch, Cross Chop, Dynamic Punch, or Aura Sphere for fast Persian pressure
Save shields for the later phases unless Persian is overwhelming your lead
Expect Giovanni’s second slot to be one of three possible Pokémon and bring flexible counters
Use Water-, Grass-, or Ice-type counters if Giovanni’s second slot is Nidoking
Use Water-, Grass-, or Ice-type counters if Giovanni’s second slot is Kingdra
Use Water-, Grass-, or Ice-type counters if Giovanni’s second slot is Rhyperior
Use strong Ice-, Rock-, or Fairy-type counters if Giovanni’s second slot is Garchomp
Use strong Fairy-, Flying-, or Ice-type counters if Giovanni’s second slot is Nidoqueen
Use strong Ground-, Water-, Grass-, or Fighting-type counters if Giovanni’s second slot is Regirock
Use strong Fighting-, Fairy-, or Psychic-type counters if Giovanni’s second slot is Regice
Use strong Ground-, Fire-, or Water-type counters if Giovanni’s second slot is Registeel
Use a hard-hitting Dragon-, Fairy-, Ice-, or Steel-type closer for Giovanni’s Shadow Legendary
Use Mamoswine, Garchomp, Togekiss, Kyogre, Swampert, Metagross, or Dialga as flexible high-value picks
Bring at least one Pokémon that can safely shield bait and one that can win shieldless
Try to force Giovanni to burn both shields early with low-cost charged moves
Prioritize fast move damage after shields are gone
If Persian has Scratch, favor bulkier Fighting-types
If Persian has Feint Attack, favor Fairy- or Fighting-resistant options
If Persian has Slash, favor bulk and shield efficiency
If you lose the lead, immediately pivot into your best matchup for the second slot
Use the current Shadow Legendary rotation to tailor your final slot counter
Recheck Giovanni’s active lineup before each battle because rotations change
Power up counters to high levels and use optimal movesets before attempting the fight