Biondini excited about reunion

Genoa midfielder Davide Biondini is not expecting an easy ride on Sunday but is relishing the prospect of returning to former club Cagliari.

The 30-year-old, who spent five seasons at Cagliari before joining Genoa in 2012, is keen for his side to continue the fine form which has seen them climb to seventh place.

Last weekend's 1-1 draw against Torino extended Genoa's unbeaten run to five games.

"We are doing very well but we still have room for improvement," Biondini said. "We face a difficult game at Cagliari, a club I know well having played there for five years.

"Cagliari have done well in recent years and they have a strong group with quality players.

"We will have to be very focused because this game is a big test for us."

Genoa will be bolstered by the return of defender Thomas Mandredini from suspension while midfielder Francelino Matuzalem must serve a one-match ban.

Coach Gianpiero Gasperini will be hoping to recover Argentinian midfielder Mario Santana, who is doubtful with an Achilles tendon injury.

Cagliari head into this weekend's match on the back of a 2-2 draw against Sassuolo.

The result pleased club coach Diego Lopez considering his side were trailing 2-0 at half-time.

The outcome lifted the islanders to 14th position, three points clear of the drop zone.

"I liked how my team responded in the second half against Sassuolo," Lopez said. "It's an important point because not only did we come back from what looked to be a certain defeat, but we did it against a team that like us is battling to avoid the drop this season.

"Now we must show the same determination against Genoa."

Cagliari are unbeaten in the last three games but will have to overcome the absence of Colombian striker Vitor Ibarbo.

Ibarbo, who has scored two goals in 14 appearances for Cagliari, is ruled out for the encounter with a muscular injury.

"Ibarbo's absence could be an advantage for us," Biondini said. "But Cagliari have a good attacking line and we will have to limit their advances."