Recently installed Genoa coach Fabio Liverani is enthusiastic about the club’s chances this season, insisting the team will look to profit by playing attacking football.
After spending two years within the Grifone’s youth ranks, president Enrico Preziosi promoted the former Lazio man to the dugout in June.
The 37-year-old spoke to the media at the team’s pre-season presentation day in Neustift, Switzerland and was ebullient about his side, who defeated local side Val Stubai 8-0 in their first pre-season game on Saturday.
“Few teams can count on two quality midfielders like [Francesco] Lodi and Francelino Matuzalem. In his role, Lodi is second only to Pirlo”, he said.
Despite having lost last season’s top-scorer Marco Borriello to Roma, Liverani also sought to assure fans he was happy with his replacement, revealing
“I am also happy to have Alberto Gilardino in my squad. His characteristics are different to Borriello, but his career is just as impressive”.
Confirming his belief that he will be able to make his first coaching role a success, Liverani also spoke effusively about the off-field set-up of the Grifone, insisting
“I am not afraid, as I’m convinced there are all the conditions to do well here at Genoa. We are choosing players who have qualities both on the field and also off it”.
Genoa avoided relegation by only six points last season, so Liverani faces an uphill task to be successful.
