Genoa vs Atalanta preview - Genoa seek home comforts
Posted Saturday, December 14, 2013 by PA
Genoa defender Alessandro Gamberini is confident his side can make home advantage count when Atalanta come to town on Sunday.
The Grifoni have not lost at home since a 2-0 defeat to Napoli on September 28.
Since then, Gian Piero Gasperini's men have taken 10 points of a possible 12 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
Atalanta, meanwhile, have lost eight of their nine games on the road this season.
"Atalanta will find a determined Genoa," Gamberini said. "We will have our fans behind us.
"We want to do well in our last home game of the year in order to give our supporters something to celebrate.
"Moreover, we have promised a victory to (Juraj) Kucka and we cannot let him down."
Kucka tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Cagliari.
The Slovakian midfielder, who has scored two goals in 11 league appearances for Genoa this season, will be sidelined for six months.
Kucka has joined defenders Daniele Portanova and Thomas Manfredini on the sidelines.
The reverse in Cagliari halted a five-match unbeaten run for Genoa and dropped the team to eighth place.
Gamberini has warned his team-mates not to take Atalanta lightly despite their recent drop in form.
"We cannot trust Atalanta," Gamberini said. "They have a good group and will have as much motivation as we will have to win on Sunday.
"We can expect a battle."
Atalanta travel to Genoa having lost two of their last three league games.
Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Hellas Verona dropped Stefano Colantuono's side to 14th place.
Lack of goalscoring has been Atalanta's biggest problem when playing away from home.
The Bergamo outfit has found the net just six times in eight games on the road this season.
Atalanta will be bolstered by the return of midfielder Luca Cigarini from suspension.
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