Genoa vs AC Milan Preview: Rossoneri blank irks Allegri

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has called on his players to make up for their midweek goalless draw with Lazio by getting their scudetto challenge back on track at Genoa.

The Rossoneri's lead at the Serie A summit remains a healthy five points but Allegri is still irritated by their inability to beat Lazio last time out.

"Lazio played a defensive game," Allegri said. "We were unlucky.

"We created six goalscoring chances and hit the woodwork twice.

"I think at this time, when you play one game every three days, we could not have done much more.

"Our next game will be tough but fortunately, we will recover two or three players and this is already something important.

"We are on the right path and the performance against Lazio is comforting."

Allegri is expected to ring the changes to the side that drew at the San Siro when they visit the Luigi Ferraris stadium.

Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf and Andrea Pirlo have all shaken off their respective injuries and could feature on Sunday.

Moreover, Dutch midfielder Mark van Bommel will be available having served a one-match ban in midweek.

Allegri will be forced to do without defender Nicola Legrottaglie, who sustained a head injury against Lazio.

Genoa coach Davide Ballardini knows his team will have to show a vast improvement if they are to surprise the league leaders.

Genoa lost 1-0 at Fiorentina on Wednesday to drop to 13th in the standings.

"It's not the result we wanted," said Ballardini. "I am bitter because this was a game we should have won and I saw my players very determined throughout the week.

"We just didn't play well and wasted chances.

"Now we have to brace ourselves for a challenging game against AC Milan."

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