Genoa vs Palermo preview - Bolzoni urges Palermo to kick on

Posted Sunday, November 23, 2014 by PA

Palermo midfielder Francesco Bolzoni has called on his team-mates to keep improving as they look to extend their three-match unbeaten streak at Genoa on Monday.

The Sicilian outfit failed to win in their opening six games after returning to Italy's top flight earlier this year, but have since turned their fortunes around and head into the clash at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris having collected seven points from the last nine on offer.

A 1-1 draw against Udinese last time out lifted Giuseppe Iachini's men to 12th place, and Bolzoni has urged his side to keep going.

"We struggled at the beginning of the campaign," the 25-year-old told the Italian media. "The important thing is that we have found our way.

"We hope to continue our good run of form.

"We know we need everyone's contribution to help us achieve our aim, which is to defend our Serie A status.

"There is still room for improvement as we need to be more aggressive, show more hunger to get more points and prove to everyone that we are a hard team to beat."

Palermo have won just once on the road this season - a 2-0 triumph at AC Milan earlier this month.

Genoa will fancy their chances as they have not lost at home since a 1-0 derby defeat to Sampdoria on September 28.

The Grifoni are riding a six-match unbeaten run and have won three of their last four games, including a 1-0 triumph over Serie A leaders Juventus.

Genoa held Cagliari to a 1-1 draw in Sardinia before the international break b to climb to sixth place, level on 19 points with fifth-spotted Lazio.

"We have improved game after game," Genoa coach Gian PIero Gasperini told Gazzetta dello Sport. "We have a good future ahead of us, but we must keep working hard and remain humble."

The hosts must overcome the absence of midfielder Stefano Sturaro, who serves his first of a two-match ban on Monday.

Iachini will have all of his players available.