Genoa vs Bologna preview - Ballardini issues rallying cry - 7M sport

Genoa vs Bologna preview - Ballardini issues rallying cry



Posted Saturday, May 03, 2014 by PA

Bologna coach Davide Ballardini has urged his players to stand up and be counted ahead of Sunday's game at Genoa.

The Rossoblu have not come out triumphant since March 23 and with two points collected since, find themselves in 18th place in Serie A with three games remaining.

Last weekend's 3-0 defeat against Fiorentina left Bologna level on 28 points with Sassuolo, who hold the last position of safety.

"It is a very difficult time for us," Ballardini said. "But I believe we have what it takes to climb out of the drop zone.

"Our fans have been extraordinary and they have supported us all along.

"Now is our turn to give our all until the end.

"We need to step up our game, show more focus and not gift our opponents with easy chances.

"Above all, we must start scoring more goals."

Bologna have struggled in front goal, failing to find the back of the net in four of their last six games.

Ballardini will be hoping attacking pair Panagiotis Kone and Rolando Bianchi can come up with the goods on Sunday.

Genoa have already secured their Serie A status ahead of this game at the Luigi Feraris stadium.

The Grifoni will nevertheless be eager to give a better account of themselves than they have displayed in recent weeks.

Genoa have won just one of their last nine games and have mustered one point of a possible 15 in their last five encounters.

Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini will be without defender Paolo De Ceglie, who sustained a knee injury in last weekend's 1-1 draw at Atalanta and has been ruled out for three months.

Alberto Gilardino, who has struck 14 goals in 34 league appearances for Genoa, will play alongside Giuseppe Sculli in attack.

The hosts will be without defender Daniele Portanova, who is suspended.



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