Genoa v Atalanta match preview

Following last weeks triumphant 1-0 victory over Sampdoria in the Derby della Lanterna the Rossoblu find themselves in the rare world of sixty place of the Serie A table. Sitting in such a lofty position Gian Piero Gasperini's side have turned from the hunter to the hunted and face the perilous problem of being targeted by others. One point behind Fiorentina and a further point behind Napoli, Genoa is faced with a delicate task of Atalanta who have their own hopes for European glory.

The Bergamo natives are questionably one of the most economical forces in Serie A, mixing a well-managed budget, that like Genoa fancy themselves as a upper tier club. Led by the highly respected Luigi Del Neri the Nerazzurri eschew a strong work ethic, near tactical perfection and superb knowledge of the opposition.

Atalanta will come out in a 4-4-1-1 with wise veteran Cristiano Donin with late bloomer Sergio Floccari. Simone Padoin and Tiberio Guarente will anchor the midfield with a stingy back-line of Leonardo Talamonti, Thomas Manfredini, Austrian international György Garics and forever Atalanta man Gianpaolo Bellini. The Nerazzurri are coming off consecutive defeats of Udinese and Lazio, both clean sheets. Their nemesis has been playing on the road, which makes their visit of Stadio Luigi Ferraris particularly warming to their host who equally prefer playing at home.

Gian Piero Gasperini will not have the services of Andrea Gasbarroni, Giandomenico Mesto, Rubén Olivera, Matteo Paro and Marcel Román for the match. They will employ their customary 3-4-3 with Matteo Ferrari proving he is worthy of a call-up to the Azzurri and Diego Milito, Il Principe, maintaining his stature as one of most valuable arrivals to Serie A this year.