Genoa vs Parma preview - Moretti admits pressure is on

Posted Saturday, February 25, 2012 by PA

Genoa defender Emiliano Moretti has admitted his team is feeling the heat ahead of the match against Parma.

The Grifoni have lost their last three league games without scoring a goal, going down to Catania, Atalanta and Chievo - all of whom were below Genoa in the standings.

Those results have seen Genoa slip to 12th place in the standings and to within nine points of the drop zone.

"There is perhaps a bit more pressure than usual for Saturday's game," Moretti said. "We are struggling to get results and we are clearly not happy to have lost three games in a row.

"We must transform negative thoughts into positive energy and try to get back on track as soon as possible."

Genoa have struggled in every department of late, conceding six goals in those three defeats as well as failing to find the net.

The hosts are still without injured striker Alberto Gilardino, who has yet to return from a calf problem that has kept him out of action since February 10.

However, Moretti insists his side must overcome the Italy international's absence.

"Gilardino is a great player," Moretti said. "However, we cannot use his absence as an excuse for our recent negative run."

Parma travel to the Luigi Ferraris stadium on the back of a 1-0 defeat at Roma that ended their five-game unbeaten run.

Last weekend's result left the Gialloblu in 14th place, two points behind Saturday's rivals, although Parma have two games in hand.

"We need to learn from this defeat and move on," Parma coach Roberto Donadoni said. "We didn't make the most of our chances against Roma and we need to be more ruthless in attack against Genoa."

Parma have failed to score in their last two league games but fortunately for them, they face the leakiest defence in the division.

Genoa have conceded 44 goals in 24 games.

The hosts will be without midfielder Davide Biondini and striker Giuseppe Sculli, both suspended.