Genoa - AC Milan preview - Gasperini demands instant response

Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini has called for an immediate response from his players when they host AC Milan.

Gasperini was left angry and disappointed with his team's 2-0 home defeat to Empoli on Wednesday that saw Genoa eliminated from the Coppa Italia.

The midweek loss also halted an eight-match unbeaten run.

"We didn't have the hunger that Empoli had," Gasperini told the Italian media. "We deserved to lose.

"I am disappointed to have bowed out of this competition in the fourth round.

"I expect a reaction from my players.

"We must turn the page and focus all our energy in Serie A.

"We have important games against AC Milan and Roma coming up and we must give our all."

The Grifoni won 3-0 at Cesena last weekend to climb to fourth in the standings, level on 23 points with Napoli, who are third and hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.

Genoa have enjoyed a good run of form in the league, where they have not lost since September 29.

Milan travel to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on the back of last weekend's convincing 2-0 triumph over Udinese.

Their fifth win of the campaign ended a five-match winless run for the Rossoneri and lifted them to sixth place, two points adrift of Genoa.

"We go into this game in good condition," Milan defender Daniele Bonera said. "But we expect a difficult match against a Genoa side that is having a great season."

Milan's on-loan striker Alessandro Matri will lead the Grifoni attack this weekend.

Matri joined Genoa this summer and is the team's top scorer with six goals.

The hosts will be without suspended defender Nicolas Burdisso.

Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi is expected to make just one change to the team that beat Udinese last time out, with Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong set to start having recovered from injury.