Atalanta vs Genoa preview - Atalanta hit by Denis blow

Atalanta must overcome the absence of the team's leading scorer German Denis when they go up against Genoa.

The Argentinian forward, who has featured in all of Atalanta's games this season and has scored 12 Serie A goals this campaign, will serve a one-match ban after being sent off in last weekend's 1-0 triumph at Cesena.

Denis' absence will mean that Simone Tiribocchi will lead Atalanta's attack against Genoa.

"We could have done without Denis' suspension," Atalanta coach Stefano Colantuono said.

"But I'm nevertheless optimistic. We are improving and we are playing better week by week."

Atalanta go into the encounter at the Atleti Azzurri d'Italia stadium on the back of a 1-0 triumph at Cesena that halted a three-match losing streak.

That result, which was Atalanta's first win away from home since October 23, lifted them to 13th place, four points behind Genoa.

"We took three very important points at Cesena," Colantuono said.

"But we cannot let our guard down because we face another difficult test on Wednesday."

Genoa, meanwhile, bounced back from their 5-3 loss at Palermo with a 3-2 triumph over Napoli on Sunday.

The Grifoni will be hoping that victory can inspire them to end the rot away from home.

Genoa have lost their last three games on the road, conceding 14 goals in as many games.

"The result against Napoli was a big win for us," Genoa defender Kakha Kaladze said.

"We played a great game. Now we need to step up our game and show the same determination we displayed against Napoli when playing away from home."

Genoa coach Pasquale Marino will again rely on attacking pair Alberto Gilardino and Rodrigo Palacio to deliver in front of goal.

Both players scored against Napoli.