Genoa vs Atalanta preview - Portanova not stand-off repeat

Posted Saturday, April 20, 2013 by PA

Genoa defender Daniele Portanova does not fear any repeat of last year's dramatic stand-off with angry fans at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris during the visit of Atalanta.

A home game with Siena on April 22 was suspended for 45 minutes as a section of Rossoblu supporters descended on the players' tunnel with their team losing 4-0.

After speaking with the group, tearful Genoa captain Marco Rossi handed over his team-mates' shirts in an attempt to appease the supporters. Eight fans were jailed in February for their involvement.

The club were facing relegation but managed to win two of their remaining games to extend their stay in the top flight, only to find themselves two points from safety at the same stage this year.

Portanova, however, has felt nothing but warmth and encouragement from the Marassi faithful since he arrived from Bologna in January.

He told the Corriere dello Sport: "Right now we need unity of purpose between the players, the club and the fans. That will be essential if we are to pursue our goal.

"The people of Genoa have been wonderful. Even when things haven't been going well they have cheered and supported their team.

"The last leg of the season will not be straightforward but we are ready to face Atalanta, even if it will be really difficult, honouring the values that come with this shirt and its colours.

"We must all give even more than our maximum effort and, with our current level of motivation, we know we can do this."

Striker Marco Borriello and winger Juan Vargas are suspended while midfielder Rossi faces a late fitness test.

Atalanta, meanwhile, must cope without the suspended trio of defender Cristian Raimondi, midfielder Carlos Carmona and striker German Denis.

The latter has scored 15 goals this season but coach Stefano Colantuono is confident his understudy, who could be Inter Milan loanee Marko Livaja, will rise to the challenge.

"We play on without Denis," he said. "Whoever gets his place will not regret the opportunity, I'm sure about that.

"Winning will give us a nice boost towards safety. Genoa do not deserve their current position in the standings with the players they have at their disposal.

"Games like this at the end of the season are always played with a lot of grit and determination."