Pescara vs Genoa preview - Del Neri looking to kick-start Genoa

Posted Sunday, December 09, 2012 by PA

Luigi Del Neri is back to square one in his bid to reverse Genoa's ailing fortunes, ahead of a trip to Pescara that could have a major effect on both sides' long-term future in Serie A.

The Rossoblu appeared to have finally turned a corner with victory at Atalanta, but the subsequent 4-2 home defeat at the hands of Chievo made it seven defeats from eight games in embarrassing fashion.

Cristiano Bergodi is also finding life as a trouble-shooter difficult having lost his first two games since replacing Giovanni Stroppa last month, with the Delfini now propping up the table with a haul of just four points from their last nine outings.

Genoa are only one point better off having slipped back into 18th place and all three points will be the minimum haul required to leapfrog Palermo and escape the bottom three on Sunday.

Del Neri knows all too well that victory in Bergamo was a false dawn, telling La Repubblica: "We must roll up our sleeves and do better next time.

"We have a duty to give our all and change the results. I need to inspire confidence in the guys, start from scratch and muster the strength to start a new journey."

Genoa's injury list makes grim reading, with Damiano Ferronetti, Cristobal Jorquera, Anselmo, Luca Antonelli and Cesare Bovo all unavailable at the Stadio Adriatico.

Bergodi has his own personnel worries to contend with as Colombian playmaker Juan Quintero continues to struggle with injury.

Jonathas, Giuseppe Colucci, Luca Savelloni, Lucas Chiaretti and Manuele Blasi are also out of action, with defender Antonio Bocchetti suspended.

Ivan Pellizoli could get the nod in goal ahead of young Mattia Perin, with Bergodi telling Gazzetta.it: "To save ourselves we have to show competitive fury out on the field.

"But Genoa will come here possessed by the devil too."

Genoa last faced Pescara in the top flight at the Stadio Adriatico in March 1993, with the Ligurians emerging 2-1 victors on that occasion.