Genoa are still unbeaten under Davide Ballardini and the Coach is confident they will “give Roma a real game” at the Stadio Olimpico.
Genoa are still unbeaten under Davide Ballardini and the Coach is confident they will “give Roma a real game” at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Grifone have secured two wins and three draws since he took over from Gigi Del Neri, becoming Genoa’s third tactician of the campaign.
Their record in Rome is dire, losing their last seven consecutive Serie A trips to the Olimpico.
“It is going to be a very difficult game against Roma,” said Ballardini in his Press conference.
“They have a great Coach, new motivation and it will require a great performance from us. However, we too are motivated.
“The crowd and the atmosphere at the Olimpico could be a factor, but I’m sure we’ll give Roma a real game.”
Andreas Granqvist and Francelino Matuzalem are suspended, while Bosko Jankovic, Antonio Floro Flores, Ruben Olivera and Thomas Manfredini are injured.
“Mattia Cassani, Juan Manuel Vargas and Andrea Bertolacci have recovered. Marco Rossi is coming with us, but he is not fit to play.
“We know Francesco Totti wants to score in order to equal Gunnar Nordahl’s record. He is a champion, so we will be wary of him. I am also confident our former Roma players will be eager to prove themselves in this match.”
Ballardini shrugged off praise for accepting last week’s refereeing error in a 1-1 draw against Palermo.
“The idea is to set an example. There was a penalty in Palermo, the referee decided not to give it, that’s the end of the matter. It is only right to set a positive example to those watching us.”