Catania vs Genoa preview - Vargas keen to impress for Genoa

Genoa's latest signing Juan Manuel Vargas has pledged to "start from scratch" at his new club with a trip to Catania first on the agenda.

The Fiorentina winger has agreed to spend a season on loan with the Grifone, with a view to completing a permanent transfer.

Despite treating the Stadio Artemio Franchi to his dribbling ability and incisive forward play over four years in Tuscany, the 28-year-old struggled to make a consistent impact last season.

Nevertheless, Vargas is held in high esteem by Viola fans and expressed his gratitude for the club's support.

He told genoacfc.it: "I thank Fiorentina and the city of Florence for the four years I spent there. One of my daughters was born there.

"But here I start from scratch and begin a new story. I need to concentrate on getting into shape, because I am not at 100%.

"Last year was not great and I suffered with injuries. But now I'm highly motivated and curious to find out what it feels like to wear this shirt."

One man quick to recommend life in Liguria to the Chilean flyer was striker Alberto Gilardino, who will not reunite with his former team-mate having been sold to Bologna.

Vargas added: "Everybody told me great things about the club. I'm sad to see Gila go.

"He told me he was sad to be leaving, but that's football.

Marco Borriello was another player facing an uncertain future at his parent club - but Genoa boss Luigi De Canio has offered the Roma striker a new home in Liguria.

Meanwhile, defender Giandomenico Mesto and striker Ze Eduardo have departed for Napoli and Siena respectively.

Sunday's opposition Catania have seen a clutch of players leave the Stadio Angelo Massimino since last weekend's dramatic draw at Roma.

Mirco Antenucci and Federico Moretti have joined Spezia and Modena respectively on loan, with Cristian Llama signing permanently for Fiorentina.

The Argentinian midfielder tweeted: "I'm more than happy to have joined one of the biggest teams in Italy. Thank you for everything."