Protectorate - not an option?

[Allu X]

Check to see if Genoa is at war with one of your allies - I'm pretty sure, like in the past Total War games, you can't ally with a faction (or protectorate) if they are at war with one of your allies.

I think only one province nations can be made protectorates, so giving them Savoy means it can't be done.

The 13 colonies are a protectorate though :).