Giampiero Ventura insists Torino “are not thinking about the derby” with Juventus as they take on Alessio Cerci’s Genoa.
It kicks off at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“We are not thinking about the derby, because this game represents another important stepping stone in our journey and we want to be protagonists,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
Giampiero Ventura insists Torino “are not thinking about the derby” with Juventus as they take on Alessio Cerci’s Genoa.
It kicks off at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“We are not thinking about the derby, because this game represents another important stepping stone in our journey and we want to be protagonists,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.
Captain Kamil Glik is one yellow card away from suspension, but again Ventura won’t hear of protecting him for the Juve game.
“Glik will start, the disciplinary situation is not an issue. We intend to pick up where we left off. On paper the best available XI will start.
“We’ve prepared well for this test and our approach is going to be decisive. It is essential we remain concentrated to the final whistle. For example, the last time we met Genoa, we allowed them to score right at the end.”
This is a special reunion for Torino with Cerci, who like Ciro Immobile has struggled to replicate his Granata form with Atletico Madrid, Milan and now Genoa.
“If Alessio cares about me, he won’t score,” laughed Ventura. “Obviously I’m happy for him because he’s getting back to playing the way he knows how.
“In these situations, physical fitness counts for 50 per cent and the other 50 is psychological. Hopefully we’ll be able to stop him.”
Alessandro Gazzi, Cesare Bovo and Danilo Avelar are long-term injury absentees.
Torino squad for Genoa: Castellazzi, Padelli, Ichazo; Glik, Jansson, Maksimovic, Molinaro, Moretti, Peres, Silva, Zappacosta; Acquah, Baselli. Benassi, Farnerud, Obi, Vives; Belotti, Immobile, Maxi Lopez, Martinez