Genoa v Lecce match preview

As the campaign comes to a conclusion Sunday afternoon with Lecce visiting Stadio Luigi Ferraris this match will without question be a "farewell match" for Diego Milito. Il Principe is off to Inter Milan yet a day before his final appearance for the Rossoblu he issued one of the most heartfelt statements to the public this writer has seen in the sport for quite some time. In a sport that barely resembles its past at time for the vast riches bestowed on players, Mr Milito effectively cast his image in bronze of Genova with his undying love for the people of the area. Rarely in today's game do you see someone rise above it, to express the principles of the area as something he wishes to pass onto his family but Il Principe has done precisely that and will forever be the Genova's chosen son.

It has been an extraordinary year, possibly incomprehensible at times as the club that fought back from Serie B will now ply its trade in the Europa League. As #22 walks off the pitch one final time, no doubt it will be a difficult one for the faithful to accept but as they look back upon the year it will be hailed as one of the clubs finest moments.

The match is of-course of little statistical consequence. The table as already been set for both sides with Lecce unable to escape relegation. The only absences for Gian Piero Gasperini's side will be without Rubén Olivera and Ivan Jurić, both suspended for last weekends shenanigans as well as Raffaele Palladino who are injured. Giuseppe Sculli and Boško Janković will have the honour of forming the attacking trident with Diego Milito this one final time.