Genoa will be hoping for a return to winning ways as they play host to struggling Cesena who continue to battle relegation and look set for a return to Serie B.
Sunday’s fixture at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa will see a contrast of styles with the home team battling for a place in Europe whilst the visitors look to gain valuable points to remain in Italy’s top league.
The Rossoblu come into the game following a disappointing defeat at Giuseppe Iachini’s Palermo last weekend, with Ivaylo Chochev netting a first half brace before Iago Falque scored a second half consolation for Genoa.
The Cavallucci Marini are without a league win since overcoming Udinese 1-0 in early March and currently trail Atalanta in 17th place by seven points.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s men had beaten both Parma and Cagliari to keep pace with fellow Europa League hopefuls Fiorentina and Sampdoria before their costly trip to Sicily. Six points seperate the Grifone and fifth place, the final league position to offer european qualification.
Palermo’s Paulo Dybala was a constant thorn in Genoa’s side last weekend, however, Cesena lack the individual talent of the highly rated Argentinian, meaning Sunday’s match should prove to be a quieter afternoon for Sebastian De Maio, Facundo Roncaglia and Nicolas Burdisso in the Rossoblu defence.
Gasperini should keep faith with the attacking trio of M’Baye Niang, Diego Perotti and Falque in an attempt to lead his men to an important three points. Spaniard Falque has scored nine league goals so far this season. The coach will have to continue without talented goalkeeper Mattia Perin due to a shoulder injury.
Domenico Di Carlo, coach of Cesena, returns to the stadium where he managed during the 2010-2011 season, albeit in charge of Genoa’s fierce rivals Sampdoria. The former Vicenza defensive midfielder can expect a hostile reception upon his return.
Goals have been a problem for Di Carlo’s outfit, with the away side scoring just 28 goals this term, failing to score in three of their last four fixtures.
Gabriel Mudingayi serves a one game suspension following an accumulation of bookings.
Genoa secured a comprehensive 3-0 victory when the two teams met at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi back in November with goals from Matri, Luca Antonelli and a Massimo Volta own goal.
Form Guide: Genoa (L-D-W-W-L) Cesena (D-L-D-L-D)
Expected Starting XIs
Genoa: Lamanna; De Maio, Burdisso, Roncaglia; Marchese, Bertolacci, Rincon, Edenilson; Perotti, Niang, Falque
Cesena: Agliardi; Perico, Krajnc, Volta, Lucchini; Cascione, Carbonero, Giorgi; Brienza; Rodriguez, Succi
