Genoa enter a decisive four-day spell at the Ferraris with Venezia due on Sunday before Juventus arrive on Wednesday, and Daniele De Rossi has made clear that the first fixture cannot be treated as a mere prelude to the second.
The Rossoblu are looking for greater consistency as the season develops, with De Rossi urging his side to meet Venezia with the concentration required by a difficult opponent. He highlighted the visitors’ individual quality and said Genoa’s defensive work would be central to the afternoon.
“It is an important match, and the matches ahead will become increasingly important,” De Rossi said. “Venezia have strong individuals. To get a result, we must produce a serious performance, especially in the defensive phase.”
Illness concerns before Venezia
Preparations have been complicated by a stomach virus affecting a number of players as well as members of the coaching staff. De Rossi said the day before the final preparations was crucial in assessing who could be available for Sunday.
Leo Ostigard is well and has been taking vitamins, while Meichtry is presently the player closest to returning to the squad. The coach expects a fuller picture on the wider group only closer to kick-off.
There is more certainty over Hamed Traorè, who will start against Venezia. De Rossi explained that the midfielder had also been in good condition last week, but Genoa chose caution after he reported a minor physical discomfort.
The Ferraris and the work behind it
Two home games in quick succession place the Ferraris at the centre of Genoa’s week. De Rossi acknowledged that the stadium and its support can offer the team an extra lift, but he does not want responsibility for results to rest with the crowd.
He pointed to the character of the ground and the supporters who fill it, while insisting that Genoa’s foundations are laid during the training week. The passion from the stands, he said, is an additional incentive for the players to reward the city.
De Rossi’s message to the squad
The Genoa coach also addressed his relationship with a group containing many players who were already at the club last season. He said his responsibility is to give players time and protection when required, but also to act in the interests of the club.
“My job is to wait for players, but not to waste time,” De Rossi said. “It is right to support and defend them, yet I cannot lose time when the club are paying me to do this work.”
He said the players had given him everything, both this season and the previous one, including those less satisfied with their situations. De Rossi added that he has not felt anyone holding back or working against the group.
Those who remained at Genoa, he believes, did so because they believe in the club’s project. Sunday’s meeting with Venezia is the immediate test of that commitment, before Juventus bring a different scale of occasion to the Ferraris three days later.
