Ballardini fires Genoa up for Inter

Genoa boss Davide Ballardini has injury problems as he prepares to host Inter, but is eager to improve their poor home record.

It kicks off on Saturday at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.

“We are all very concentrated, because it’s not every day that Inter come to town,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“The Nerazzurri seem to be in good shape physically and put in a good performance last time out against Bologna. We must be on point in every moment of the match and work as a team.”

There are problems for the Grifone, who are expected to miss Giuseppe Rossi, Miguel Veloso, Adel Taarabt, Davide Biraschi and Armando Izzo, but Aleandro Rosi and Andrej Galabinov return.

“We have a few options for the defence. There are Luca Rossettini and Jawad El Yamiq, who had a whole week of training with us and is eager to learn quickly. Darko Lazovic is a player probably stronger when attacking than defending, even if his humility allows him to track back and help out. Aleandro Rosi and Pedro Pereira are the other alternatives.

“Goran Pandev has to train harder, because when you’re a little older, it is your duty to train for longer. He has the right mentality and with that hard work he brings the right performances.”

Genoa have a remarkably poor home record despite the passionate support, winning only two games, drawing two and losing seven here this season.

“I think it’s a combination of factors. It’s disappointing, because we want to make our fans happy and excited. Our performances must be a continual reward to those who cheer us on from the first to the last minute.”

The atmosphere is expected to be particularly passionate tomorrow night, as there will be music from Genoese legend Fabrizio De Andre played before kick-off.

The singer-songwriter, one of the great poets of Italian music, would’ve turned 78 this weekend.

“Hearing the whole crowd sing his songs with passion and maybe a few tears will be an extraordinary experience,” concluded Ballardini.”