View from the opposition: Genoa

Liguria-based journalist Mauro Casaccia takes us through Genoa's season leading up to the game at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris - and reveals which in-form Roma player he'd most like to see in the Rossoblu side.

How would you assess Genoa's season with just three games remaining?

"It's definitely been a positive season for Genoa, above par, seeing as the Rossoblu made a lot of changes in the summer and achieved the season objective of staying up with plenty of time to spare.

"If you also consider the difficulties Giampiero Gasperini's men have encountered this season with injuries to big players like Leonardo Pavoletti and Diego Perotti when he was here, the mark could even be higher. The squad has shown that they're always able to respond to tough spells in the best way possible."

Who would be in your top three for new signings this season?

"Without a doubt, Cristian Ansaldi is in first place. The defender arrived on loan from Zenit Saint Petersburg in the closing stages of the transfer window and has since shown he's a top-quality player. The Argentine is capable of playing both on the left and the right, so as a utility player he's proved his worth to Gasperini as well. It won't be easy keeping him in a Genoa shirt next season in view of his quality.

"Next I'd go for Blerim Dzemaili – the Macedonia-born Swiss international has had a decent season, scoring some big goals including in the crucial Atalanta fixture and winners against Sassuolo and AC Milan.

"I'll put Ezequiel Munoz in third spot. Despite his injury problems, the Argentine defender has shown that when he's fit he has a vital role to play in the Rossoblu backline. He's also still quite young so is an interesting prospect for the future."

Who has been Genoa's player of the season?

"Tomas Rincon who joined last year on a free transfer from Hamburg. He offers both security as a ball-winner in midfield and quality when building the team's play, as well as chipping in with a few vital assists over the season. The Venezuelan midfielder has made a lot of progress this year and shown that he's a real team player.

Having said that, mentions should also go to Argentinian pair Cristian Ansaldi and Nicolas Burdisso in defence and Leonardo Pavoletti in attack, who have all had excellent seasons."

What has been Genoa's best performance of the season and why?

"In terms of quality, intensity and ability to hold out for victory I'd say the 1-0 win at home against Inter on 20 April. If you look beyond performances alone and take the importance of the occasion into account, then the comeback victories against Udinese and Torino at the Ferraris – vital for staying up – also deserve a mention."

What has been the worst display so far and what went wrong on that occasion?

"The most frustrating game was the 2-1 home defeat against Carpi when Genoa just threw the result out of the window. The Rossoblu were actually forced to play pretty much the entire game with ten men because of Pavoletti's red card in the sixth minute but still managed to take the lead through Diogo Figueiras. Gasperini's players completely fell apart in the second half and allowed the opposition to come back and take the lead with two goals both on the counter-attack. That Sunday was cursed for Genoa."

What have you made of Roma under Luciano Spalletti?

"Roma have such quality in their squad, which is definitely among the best in the league. Spalletti's biggest achievement has been helping his players regain these qualities, which has allowed them to go on an unbeaten run that has stretched to 15 games now. I particularly like the coach's set-up in attack – it's difficult for the opposition to pick up such fluid players as Stephan El Shaarawy, Diego Perotti and Mohamed Salah."

Which Roma player should Bologna fans be most wary of?

"Both for personal reasons and the quality he has, I'll say Diego Perotti who left great memories during his time here in Liguria. Despite the quality throughout Spalletti's squad, I believe the Argentine is the one they rely on the most and poses the biggest threat."

If you could pick one Roma player to add to the Bologna squad, who would you choose and why?

"It's an obvious choice but I would bring Perotti back to Genoa, not only for emotional reasons but also due to his ability. Even though the Rossoblu have been able to respond to his departure and secure safety in the division, the Argentine's class is a cut above the rest of Gasperini's squad. Genoa fans haven't had a player like him since Diego Milito."

What's your score prediction for Monday?

"The fact that the Derby della Lanterna against Sampdoria is coming up after the Roma game may weigh on Genoa, especially since there are four players one booking away from missing the game against Samp. Spalletti's side are clearly the favourites – looking at their squad, motivation and everything else I've mentioned – but I have to say that the Rossoblu have often played well against the big sides at home this year. I'm setting my stall out and saying it will be 1-1."