Genoa defender aiming to lead by example ahead of derby game

Genoa defender Nicolas Burdisso has stated he will try to set an example to his team-mates ahead of Saturday evening’s Derby Della Lanterna against Sampdoria in Serie A.

The Grifone face their city rivals with the sides level on points and joint sixth in the Serie A table, and Burdisso has said he will draw inspiration from former Inter team-mates Javier Zanetti, Ivan Cordoba and current Samp coach Sinisa Mihajlovic.

“We come into this game in the best mood possible,” said the 33-year-old, speaking to Sky Sport Italia.

“The results are with us and our Serie A position is very good.

“I try to be an example, as Zanetti, Cordoba and Mihajlovic have been for me, today I try to teach what I have learned from them.

“The derby of Genoa is a wonderful derby, very unique.

“All week you feel it, people looking forward to it, it is a championship within a championship.”

Follow Allan Eccles on Twitter: @bookedforsimu