Genoa vs Inter Milan preview - Bertolacci calls for Genoa focus
Posted Friday, May 22, 2015 by PA
Genoa midfielder Andrea Bertolacci has warned his team-mates not to take their foot off the pedal ahead of two vital games to end the season.
The Grifoni are sixth in the standings and hold the last Europa League qualifying spot heading into Saturday's home match against Inter Milan.
Genoa are two points clear of city rivals Sampdoria and four points above Inter.
"We cannot get carried away," Bertolacci said to Gazzetta dello Sport. "We must remain with our feet firmly on the ground.
"We have two difficult games against Inter and Sassuolo.
"We believe we can qualify for the Europa League but we must remain concentrated."
Gian Piero Gasperini's men have shown few signs of weakness, winning four of their last five league games.
They followed their 5-1 victory over Torino with a 4-1 triumph at Atalanta in the last round.
"We are showing that we are a strong team and that we deserve to be high up in the standings," Bertolacci said.
Genoa are unbeaten at home since March 15 and have won their last four games at the Luigi Ferraris stadium.
Inter travel to Genoa in eighth place and needing a win to maintain their faint hopes of playing in Europe next season.
The Nerazzurri lost 2-1 to Juventus in last weekend's derby d'Italia to see their seven-match unbeaten run come to an end.
"It's going to be difficult to qualify for Europe," Inter coach Roberto Mancini said. "But as I have said before it will not alter our plans.
"We are building for the future.
"This team needs experienced players who can raise the quality of the squad."
Inter will be bolstered by the return of Brazilian midfielder Hernanes from suspension as they look to clinch their fourth straight away win on the road in Genoa.
The hosts welcome back defender Sebastian De Maio and midfielder Tino Costa from suspension.
However, French striker M'baye Niang is doubtful with a sprained knee.
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