Genoa Coach Gian Piero Gasperini is delighted with the start to the season by his side, which he sees as performing ‘beyond expectations’.
The Coach is Serie A's man of the moment for lifting last year's 14th placed Grifone up into early-season Champions League qualification contention.
“It's a great moment for us, we didn't think we'd climb so high,” he said when interviewed by Radio Anch'io lo Sport.
“This is the fruit of our results and the development of our game.
Genoa Coach Gian Piero Gasperini is delighted with the start to the season by his side, which he sees as performing ‘beyond expectations’.
The Coach is Serie A's man of the moment for lifting last year's 14th placed Grifone up into early-season Champions League qualification contention.
“It's a great moment for us, we didn't think we'd climb so high,” he said when interviewed by Radio Anch'io lo Sport.
“This is the fruit of our results and the development of our game.
“We have built a team beyond our greatest expectations. It's been years since we last found ourselves so high up.
“The distances on the standings are short so anything can happen, but we are playing some excellent matches.”
The match between Sampdoria and Napoli tonight could see them lose the third place, but Gasperini sees the silver lining.
“A draw would be ideal for us,” he said. “But we climbed up by one position in the standings regardless. In the worst case scenario, we're going to be fourth.
“Things have changed from the times when Genoa used to win Scudetti.
“At the beginning of the season our objective was that of building a good team, so we're enjoying these days’ rewards even better.”
Speaking about the development of his team, he said: “I realised from the outset that there were important values from the athletic point of view.
“We want to keep a high intensity and go after the ball rather than waiting for it.”
Genoa have alternated irregular performances with home and away games, but Gasperini minimised: “The calendar played its part, when playing at home we faced some great teams.
“It may have something to do with our own characteristics, perhaps this team plays better with more open space.”
Asked about striker Alessandro Matri, on loan from Milan, Gasperini said: “I believe he is one of the best Italian poachers and the city of Genova, over the last few years, has always endorsed strikers.
“This could be his chance to return to the highest levels.”