AS Roma vs Genoa preview - Roma alive and kicking - Garcia

Posted Saturday, May 02, 2015 by PA

Rudi Garcia was delighted to elicit a positive response from his Roma side in midweek, but knows their mission to secure a Champions League mission is far from over.

The capital club were long-term occupants of second place until three dry spells allowed city rivals Lazio to take over in the race to finish behind Juventus and bag top-level European football for next season.

Garcia read his players the riot act after a 2-1 defeat at Inter Milan and they reacted by beating Sassuolo 3-0 on Wednesday night, inspiring confidence at the Stadio Olimpico before Sunday's visit of in-form Genoa.

The French coach told asroma.it: "We were effective while playing decent football. The team gave me the right response.

"We went about our jobs efficiently, but I'm not going to praise the lads too much because we have another game coming up on Sunday and we have to ensure we get another three points.

"We must make sure this week counts in terms of results and so far we're only halfway there.

"But we're alive and kicking and we played with pride and dignity."

The season is over for midfielder Kevin Strootman and wing-back Maicon, but Seydou Keita could be recalled after pulling out of the game at Sassuolo with a bout of sciatica.

Genoa, who climbed to sixth on their back of their first victory over AC Milan at San Siro since 1958, are missing winger Diego Perotti and defender Lorenzo Ariaudo.

Four wins from five matches have put the Rossoblu on the brink of a Europa League berth, but should the Ligurians snatch sixth they will likely have to do so at Sampdoria's expense.

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini believes both halves of the city should be able to celebrate as one whatever happens.

He told the Gazzetta dello Sport: "Beyond the rivalry, if one of us qualifies for Europe it would represent a prize for the whole city, because it has a lot of enthusiasm and passion for football - and a very nice stadium."

Genoa have lost their last eight games against Roma in the capital, last taking a point from a draw back in 1994.