Bologna vs Genoa preview - De Canio up for the fight

Relegation-threatened Genoa will approach their final four games of the season with some trepidation as they try to preserve their Serie A status.

The Grifoni are just one place and one point clear of the drop zone ahead of the game at Bologna.

Genova have failed to come out triumphant in their last 13 games and face a difficult climax to the season with Cagliari, Udinese and Palermo to follow after this weekend's encounter at the Renato Dall' Ara stadium.

However, Genoa coach Luigi De Canio has drawn some hope from their encouraging performance at AC Milan on Wednesday.

Genoa conceded a late goal to fall 1-0 at the san Siro but showed a drastic improvement with respect to their previous displays.

"We came out of the game reinforced by the spirit shown by my players, by the team's performances and the chances we created," De Canio said.

"The team fought until the last second and we will continue to do so until the end."

De Canio will be looking for more of the same this weekend from his players knowing his side could be in the bottom three by Sunday if they lose and results elsewhere go against them.

Bologna, meanwhile, go into the match six points clear of Genoa.

The Rossoblu extended their unbeaten run to four games with Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Siena.

"The important thing is that we are getting results and moving up in the standings," Bologna coach Stefano Pioli said. "This is a good sign and we must continue on this path.

"We still have some ways to go before we can feel safe and I hope we can take as many points as possible for our remaining games."

The last time the sides met earlier this season, it was Genoa who emerged triumphant with Lucas Pratto scoring the winning goal in that game.

De Canio will have all of his players available with the exception of suspended midfielder Bosko Jankovic.

Bologna will be without midfielder pair Diego Perez and Gaston Ramirez, both sidelined through injury.