Genoa vs Catania preview - Andujar ready for Catania challenge

Posted Sunday, January 20, 2013 by PA

Mariano Andujar is the only goalkeeper yet to concede a goal in Serie A in the new year, but he knows Catania's resistance will be sorely tested against relegation-threatened Genoa.

The Sicilians have consolidated a mid-table spot thanks to some resilient defensive displays and a counter-attacking style that most recently saw them claim a 1-0 victory over Roma.

Andujar is now receiving admiring glances from across Europe as he continues to work hard to earn a contract extension at the Stadio Massimino.

He told La Repubblica: "I can only thank our goalkeeping coach Enzo Biato. If I've improved then it's all down to him.

"Is my goalmouth impenetrable? One day my good run will end but it's something that fills me with confidence anyway."

Genoa have scored in each of their last four league games but find themselves struggling to climb out of the bottom three nonetheless.

"They are strong but they've had a terrible season," Andujar added. "We face them with respect and a bit of fear, with the desire to bring home a positive result.

"My contract? We'll see what the club think, there's a long way to go before the end of the season. I want to do well here and then we'll see if the club have confidence in me."

Influential midfielder Francesco Lodi and veteran defender Nicola Legrottaglie are suspended, with Sergio Almiron struggling for fitness, but Andujar is happy with the available strength in depth.

He added: "The absence of Legrottaglie, Lodi and Almiron won't hurt us, there are a lot of good squad players who can do well. They all deserve to play in Serie A."

Rossoblu boss Luigi Del Neri also has concerns over his playing staff, but is more worried about the lacklustre contribution of recent signing Antonio Floro Flores.

Genoa were ahead in Cagliari last time out but left Sardinia empty-handed, leading a furious Del Neri to say: "We threw away three points.

"The changes our opponents made were decisive and, paradoxically, we struggled more for scoring the opening goal.

"All my players need to give more and I expected more from Floro Flores. I hope we can learn from this because we have a squad that should be nearer the top."

Damiano Ferronetti, Bosko Jankovic and Juan Vargas are injury doubts, while Eros Pisano and Felipe Seymour serve one-match bans.