Genoa vs AC Milan preview - Montolivo chasing third win on spin

Posted Sunday, April 06, 2014 by PA

AC Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo admits his team needs to "find consistency" if they are to secure European qualification this season.

Milan travel to the Luigi Ferraris stadium to face Genoa on Monday on the back of straight victories at Fiorentina and against Chievo.

Consistency has been the Rossoneri's main problem this campaign but Montolivo is hopeful his side can clinch for the first time this season a third-straight triumph in Serie A.

"We need to find consistency in order to reach our objectives," Montolivo said. "There are seven games to go until the end of the season and if we are able to give continuity to our results then we can qualify for Europe."

Last weekend's 3-0 triumph over Chievo lifted Milan to 11th place, eight points adrift of city rivals Inter Milan, who are fifth and hold the last Europa League qualifying spot.

Inter drew 2-2 at home to Bologna on Saturday.

Milan must overcome the absence of Sulley Muntari with the Ghana midfielder out with a calf injury.

To complicate matters for club coach Clarence Seedorf, former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien is unavailable with a right thigh problem.

Rivals Genoa are confident they can bounce back from their surprise 3-0 loss at Hellas Verona and upset the Rossoneri.

Last weekend's defeat dropped Genoa to 13th place.

"We are aware we played badly in Verona," Genoa striker Giuseppe Sculli said. "We understand (Genoa coach Gian Piero) Gasperini's anger, as he always wants the maximum from us.

"When you get such a result you cannot wait to return to the pitch as soon as possible and put things right.

"We have played well against top teams this campaign and we are confident heading into the game against Milan."

Genoa held Milan to a 1-1 draw earlier this season.

The hosts will be bolstered by the return of defenders Luca Antonini and Nicolas Burdisso, who have recovered from their respective injuries.