Serie A preview: Boselli on bench for Genoa

Mauro Boselli, Genoa’s new signing from Premier League side Wigan, is expected to make his debut from the bench against Chievo on Sunday.

Boselli, who has been struggling with a thigh injury, is looking forward to Genoa’s style of play and helping lift the club away from the threat of relegation.

“I left because it was too cold in England!” he told the Italian media.

“Italian football is also closer to the kind we play in Argentina.”

“I saw Genoa play ball to feet, always trying to go on the attack. I am a striker and prefer to play as close to the penalty area as possible, but I am not a static centre-forward either.”

“I hope to play for a few minutes this weekend,” he insisted.

Chievo, who will miss the injured veteran Luciano, beat Genoa 3-1 in round two, a result that took them to the top of the table.

Leaders Milan will look for their 13th home league win of the season against fourth-bottom Cesena, who have won only once away on their travels.

Second-placed Napoli will be looking to close the gap on leaders Milan when they visit bottom side Bari.

Bari still have injury problems, despite new signings Kamil Glik, Gergely Rudolf and Stefano Okaka making positive impressions.Five first-teamers remain injured, including Paulo Barreto, while Massimo Donati is suspended.

Napoli dropped valuable points last Sunday in their draw with Fiorentina and a season-ending injury to Gianluca Grava will add to the pressure on the defence.

But Bari have not beaten Napoli at home in 13 years and have enjoyed only three league wins at the San Nicola this season.

Third-placed Lazio’s recent away league form in Serie A suggests Bologna, fifth from the bottom, could gain a share of the spoils.

With their two-point penalty and 4-1 defeat to Inter last weekend, relegation is a real prospect for Bologna.

But coach Alberto Malesani will have a full-strength squad except for Archimede Morleo and Massimo Mutarelli.

Lazio’s recent struggles on the road include two defeats and two draws as the side has gone from two points clear in first to four points behind in third.

Giuseppe Biava’s return from suspension should strengthen the defence but Stephan Lichtsteiner is serving a one-game ban.

Stefan Radu and Mourad Meghni are doubts while Javier Garrido, Matuzalem and Tommaso Rocchi are all out.

Fourth-placed Inter visit a determined Udinese in Sunday’s early match.

Udinese’s impressive home form includes nine wins while Inter’s strike-force have scored 23 goals away from home in the league.

Roma striker Adriano will miss at least three weeks, including Saturday’s home game against ninth-placed Cagliari, after dislocating his shoulder in the 2-1 Coppa Italia win over Lazio.

“It is a very nasty injury and the Roma medical staff did well to put the shoulder back in place,” his agent, Roberto Calenda, told Sky Sport Italia.

“He will have to wear a special brace for at least three weeks and then we’ll see,” Calenda said.

Seventh-placed Palermo will be under-strength but should prove too strong for second-bottom visitors Brescia on Saturday.

In other matches, new Catania coach Diego Simeone makes his debut in an important trip away to fellow strugglers Parma.

The Argentine was appointed on Wednesday after Marco Giampaolo was sacked just six months into his tenure.

Fiorentina should be too strong at home to Lecce, who have only earned a win and a draw on their travels , while Sampdoria host Juventus.