US Sassuolo Calcio vs Genoa preview - Sassuolo hopeful over Euro licence

Posted Saturday, May 30, 2015 by PA

Genoa visit Sassuolo on Sunday still hopeful they will get a UEFA licence to compete in next season's Europa League qualifying round.

The Grifoni have guaranteed themselves a sixth-place finish heading into their final game of the campaign.

However, Genoa have not been granted a UEFA licence by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) after missing a deadline and failing to name a suitable stadium to play in.

Genoa have appealed and are awaiting a definite decision.

"Earning a European qualification spot is a reward for my players in view of the hard work they have done this season," Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini said to Sky Italia. "Now we have to wait for the result of the appeal and hope it goes well.

"Our president Enrico Preziosi is working hard on this appeal.

"Regardless of what happens, it doesn't take away the fact that we have enjoyed an extraordinary season.

"The team has grown beyond all expectations."

Genoa have won 16, including last weekend's 3-2 triumph over Inter Milan, and lost 10 of their 37 games.

The Grifoni can leapfrog Fiorentina to finish fifth in the standings provided they beat Sassuolo and Fiorentina fail to come out triumphant against Chievo.

Genoa have won five of their last six games and travel to the Citta del Tricolore stadium looking to clinch their eighth win on the road.

Sunday's match will be a celebration for Sassuolo.

The Emilia-Romagna club have defended their Serie A status for a second straight season.

Last weekend's 1-0 triumph at Udinese, Sassuolo's first win on the road since January 6, was their third consecutive triumph and lifted the team to 12th in the standings.

Sassuolo had never won three games on the trot in Italy's top flight.

"My team deserved to win at Udinese," Sassuolo coach Eusebio Di Francesco said. "Now we want to end the season with another win, knowing that we face a tough match against Genoa."