Gasperini preparing for `decisive match`

Posted Thursday, November 05, 2009 by PA

Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini has pressed home to his players the importance of their Europa League clash with Lille.

The Italians have won just once in three attempts in Group B and sit four points adrift of leaders Lille.

The French side have already got the better of Genoa once in the pool, claiming a 3-0 victory two weeks ago at the Stade Metropole.

And Gasperini is aware his side cannot afford to slip up again if they want to finish in the top two.

"This is a decisive match, crucial to our hopes of qualification (for the last 32)," he said.

"It is undoubtedly a match within our reach and I'm sure our fans will help us.

"Of course we still have respect for our opponents. But I want my players to give everything, do all they can to bring us the victory.

"We will do our best to get a good result."

Genoa were held to a goalless draw by Palermo in Serie A at the weekend, a result which has left them seventh in the standings, and striker Raffaele Palladino is hoping they can build on that in Europe.

"We will give that little bit extra against Lille in order to bring home the three points and take a step forward in the group," he said.

"We're going through a good patch, we are focused and well aware we should not underestimate our opponents.

"We are a good side and we hope to demonstrate that again tomorrow night."

Lille are unbeaten so far in the group and a victory tomorrow night would see them through to the knockout stage of the competition.

A 2-0 victory over pointless Grenoble in Ligue 1 at the weekend served as the perfect warm-up for the trip to Genoa, and defender Adil Rami believes a place in the last 32 would be no less than his team deserve.

"We have fought all season to get our tickets into Europe and this would be our reward," he said.

"However, I think Genoa will be out for revenge against us for the 3-0 defeat at the Stade Metropole.

"We have to be focused to be up to the challenge they will present to us."