Novara Calcio vs Genoa preview - Malesani: We must show fight

Posted Saturday, April 07, 2012 by PA

Genoa coach Alberto Malesani has told his players to stand up and be counted if they are to defend their Serie A status this season.

The Grifoni sacked coach Pasquale Marino after Sunday's 5-4 defeat at Inter Milan and put the reins back in the hands of former boss Malesani.

Genoa head into the game at Novara in 16th place, six points clear of the relegation zone.

They have not won a game since February 5 and have taken four points since.

"I have told my players that we need everyone's contribution in order to defend our Serie A status," said Malesani, who was dismissed back in December following a 6-1 defeat at Napoli.

"We must give everything we have in our remaining eight games."

Genoa have struggled at the defensive end and have the worst backline in the competition with 56 goals conceded in 30 games.

Novara are also in desperate need of points.

Last weekend's 5-2 loss at Roma was Novara's 16th defeat of the campaign and left them second from bottom, nine points from safety with eight games remaining.

"We have to try to hand good performances in our remaining games and hope results come our way for us to defend our Serie A status," Novara coach Attilio Tesser said.

The hosts must overcome the absence of goalkeeper Samir Ujkani, who got hurt against Roma and underwent surgery this week to repair a fractured bone in his right hand.

Alberto Fontana will replace Ujkani in goal.

Genoa are without defender Luca Antonelli and midfielder Fernando Belluschi and Kevin Constant, all out injured.

The only consolation for Malesani is that Swedish defender Andreas Granqvist has shaken off a knee injury and will feature at the Silvio Piola stadium.