Genoa v Roma: Three opposition players to watch

Roma prepare for a must-win game at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Monday night, as Luciano Spalletti’s men take on a resurgent Genoa.

The Giallorossi have been on a sensational run over the last 10 matches, gaining 10 points on second place Napoli to move within two points of overhauling them.

Meanwhile, Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini has led the Griffoni to three wins in their last five games – thanks in part to the help of several ex-Roma players.

If the Lupi are to continue their push for the second spot and come away with all three points, they will have to be cautious of these three Rossoblu players...

Tomas Rincon

The Venezuelan has been the driving force behind Genoa's mid-table push. Both technically good and physically strong, Rincon has three goals this seaon - and also leads the team in assists with five.

While leading the Griffoni's passing statistics with 1,200, he has also maintained a remarkable completion rate of 84%. The Venezuelan co-captain is a two-way player though – he likes to defend as much as he likes to attack, making 2.3 tackles and completing 1.6 interceptions per match.

Rincón's tenacity to recover the ball and ability to keep possession poses a problem to any opposition, and playing at home at the Ferraris will give the midfielder that extra bit of motivation to try and stop Roma come Monday night.

Nicolas Burdisso

A starter in Roma’s backline between 2009-2013, the Argentinean defender is having a productive season on the Ligurian coast. He has the third highest average for clearances in the league (6.7), with a total of 172 – and a further 83 interceptions made and 20 blocks won.

Gasperini sees him as a leader of his squad, giving Burdisso 2,177 minutes of playing time so far this term. Burdisso’s career achievements certainly deserve respect – winning Serie A and the Supercoppa Italiana four times. Burdisso remains one of the most focused and determined defenders in Serie A, and Roma’s attack will have their work cut out for them as they try to find a way past him.

Leonardo Pavoletti

The tall centre forward has made himself a nuisance for opposing defences this season. Of his 11-goal tally, four have come from his head - and all 11 were scored inside the box to underline his poacher’s threat.

Capable of producing clever flicks and first time shots in tight spaces, Pavoletti’s versatility makes him a constant threat when the goal is in sight.

The former Serie B winner has been fouled an average of three times per match, creating further opportunities for his side from set-piece situations. His strength and size can make him tough to handle, resulting in free kicks from dangerous areas on the pitch.

Though it has been a season of two halves for Pavoletti – he’s scored just once in his last nine played – on Monday the dominating forward will be anxious to prove that he is a top Serie A striker by stalling Roma’s hunt for second.