Use a strong Fighting-type lead for Persian: Lucario, Machamp, Conkeldurr, Terrakion, or Hariyama
Best fast attacks for Persian: Counter, Double Kick, or Karate Chop
Best charged attacks for Persian: Aura Sphere, Dynamic Punch, Close Combat, or Cross Chop
Save shields for Giovanni’s second and third Pokémon, not Persian
If Persian has Feint Attack, use a bulky Fighting-type with good bulk
If Persian has Scratch, prioritize fast energy gain and quick charged moves
For the second slot, prepare for one of Giovanni’s rotating Pokémon
Use Water, Grass, Ice, or Fairy counters depending on the second Pokémon
For Nidoking: use Water, Ground, Psychic, or Ice attackers
For Rhyperior: use Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, or Steel attackers
For Kangaskhan: use Fighting attackers
For Garchomp: use Ice, Fairy, or Dragon attackers
For Nidoqueen: use Water, Ground, Psychic, or Ice attackers
For Golem: use Water, Grass, Ground, or Fighting attackers
For the third slot, use a strong counter to Giovanni’s Shadow Legendary
If the Shadow Legendary is Regigigas: use Fighting
If the Shadow Legendary is Heatran: use Water, Ground, or Fighting
If the Shadow Legendary is Cresselia: use Dark, Ghost, or Bug
If the Shadow Legendary is Latios or Latias: use Dragon, Fairy, Ice, Ghost, or Dark
If the Shadow Legendary is Kyogre: use Grass or Electric
If the Shadow Legendary is Groudon: use Water, Grass, or Ice
If the Shadow Legendary is Palkia: use Dragon or Fairy
If the Shadow Legendary is Dialga: use Fighting or Ground
If the Shadow Legendary is Tornadus: use Ice, Rock, or Electric
If the Shadow Legendary is Thundurus: use Ice or Rock
If the Shadow Legendary is Landorus: use Ice or Water
If the Shadow Legendary is Ho-Oh: use Water, Electric, or Rock
If the Shadow Legendary is Lugia: use Electric, Rock, Ghost, Dark, or Ice
If the Shadow Legendary is Zapdos: use Ice, Rock, or Electric
If the Shadow Legendary is Moltres: use Water, Rock, or Electric
If the Shadow Legendary is Articuno: use Rock, Steel, Fire, or Electric
Use a team with fast charge moves to burn Giovanni’s shields
Open with a shield-baiting charged move
Switch immediately if your lead has a bad matchup after Persian
Use Pokémon with high attack and strong coverage
Recommended general team: Lucario, Swampert, and Mamoswine
Recommended general team: Machamp, Kyogre, and Garchomp
Recommended general team: Conkeldurr, Metagross, and Tyranitar
Use Mega Evolutions if available for extra damage
Prioritize Pokémon with maxed CP and strong IVs
Re-enter quickly if you lose to adjust the lineup
Check Giovanni’s current lineup before battling
Use party power and timing to maximize charged move pressure
Keep one flexible slot for the second Pokémon rotation
Use resistances to survive long enough to reach your charged moves