Genoa vs Torino preview - Calaio wary of Torino

Genoa striker Emanuele Calaio has warned his team-mates to expect a stern test when his side welcome his former club Torino on Saturday.

Calaio went through Torino's youth ranks before making his Serie A debut with the Granata 13 years ago.

"I grew up wearing Torino's jersey and it is the club that made me love football," Calaio said.

"I spent there seven years of my life and I have many fond memories of my time there.

"For me this is no ordinary game.

"We will have to be extra careful with Torino because they are a good side, with talented players and with an experienced coach."

Genoa are flying high in the Serie A standings and go into the encounter at the Luigi Ferraris stadium riding a four-match unbeaten run.

Their 1-1 draw at AC Milan in the previous round lifted Genoa to seventh place.

Gian Piero Gasperini's side has shown few signs of weakness scoring six goals while giving away just one in the last four rounds.

"We are doing well," Calaio said. "We are going through a good spell which has seen us take good results.

"This allows us to face our games in the best possible condition."

Rivals Torino are also in good spirits heading into this weekend's match.

Last weekend's 4-1 triumph over Catania halted an eight-match winless run for Toro and marked their second victory in Turin this season.

The Granata are 12th in the standings, three points behind Genoa.

"We played a great game against Catania," Torino coach Giampiero Ventura said.

"I congratulate my players because we created so many goalscoring opportunities and made the most of them.

"Now we must give continuity to this performance."

The hosts will be without defender Thomas Manfredini, who must serve a one-match ban this weekend.