Palermo vs Genoa preview - Palermo closing in on safety

Palermo are one win away from being able to plan with some confidence for another season in Serie A.

Normally 40 points is the magic number clubs aim for at the start of the campaign but ahead of Sunday's battle against Genoa in Sicily, Palermo have 38 in the bank as the season enters its final eight weeks.

Palermo won 3-1 at Udinese last time out to claim their second league away win of the season and halt a three-match losing streak.

Victory on Sunday would be a major fillip and milestone for the Sicilians in their battle for survival.

Palermo, who gained promotion to Italy's top flight last season, have won nine of their 30 games and are 11th in the standings, 16 points above the drop zone.

"The win at Udinese was crucial as we had gone into that game on the back of three straight defeats," Palermo midfielder Luca Rigoni said to the Italian press. "Serie A is a difficult tournament and every game is a challenge.

"We are very close to defending our top flight status.

"I'm confident we can achieve our aim this weekend, provided we show the same unity and determination we displayed in Udine.

"There are still eight games left to play and we want to finish as high as possible in the standings."

Giuseppe Iachini's men have not won at the Renzo Barbera stadium since February 15 and have collected one point since at home.

Genoa, meanwhile, are looking to end a positive week on a high note.

Gian Piero Gasperini's Genoa ended their five-match winless run with a 2-0 triumph over Cagliari last weekend.

They then beat bottom-side Parma 2-0 on Wednesday to climb to seventh place, five points adrift of the last Europa League qualifying spot.

"We are working hard to qualify for Europe next season," Genoa striker Leonardo Pavoletti said. "Every game from now on is a final."

Genoa are without defender Facundo Roncaglia and midfielder Juraj Kucka, both suspended, while midfielder Andrea Bertolacci and striker Marco Borriello are unavailable through injury.