Genoa Coach Gian Piero Gasperini is demanding his players go out to win when they face Juventus” data-scaytid=”4″>Juventus at the Marassi on Wednesday.
Genoa Coach Gian Piero Gasperini is demanding his players go out to win when they face Juventus at the Marassi on Wednesday.
Gasperini’s side ran the Bianconeri very close last season, falling to a last-minute Andrea Pirlo strike, and the Grifone Coach believes his men can cause them problems again.
“Genoa have a duty to try and win,” Gasperini told La Repubblica.
“Last year against the Juventus which got 102 points, we had them on the verge of defeat.
“Twenty minutes from the end Buffon saved a penalty, then in the 90th minute Pirlo pops up with a free-kick.
“We must defend as a team, without ever being passive, just like when we won 3-2 [against Juventus in 2009], with Thiago Motta and Palladino.
“Although it was Ranieri’s Juve and not Conte’s, winning was a source of great satisfaction.”
The Genoa boss also spoke of the weapons at Max Allegri’s disposal, and the differences between the former Milan Coach’s Juve side and Antonio Conte’s all-conquering team.
“If Pirlo doesn’t play, Marchisio will be in midfield, and in attack Allegri is spoiled for choice.
“At the back even with Evra, Caceres and Barzagli injured they’re still the same.
“For now there are very few differences between Conte’s Juve and Allegri’s.
“Allegri came in cautiously and is now shaping the team in his own image.
“For that matter, even Conte changed his way of playing. His first Juve was frantic and aggressive, whereas last season’s was quieter and less fierce in pressing in order to save energy.”
Gasperini has been rather active in the Press, also giving an interview to Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, where the Coach talked about his formative years at Juventus.
“Ten years of my youth and as many as a Coach at Juventus were the most important part of my personal growth, an irreplaceable experience.”
Gasperini will not, however, be misty eyed when he takes on the Bianconeri, calling on the Genoa fans to loudly back his side.
“I think tomorrow will be a demonstration of everything I like about Genoa, and that includes the fans.
“The fans won’t be asking us to go out there and win comfortably, they’d take a repeat of last year’s performance, as would I.”
This comes after Gasperini’s words of criticism aimed at a section of the Grifone support for whistling the team following their last home match against Empoli.