Genoa face 'ultimate test'

Genoa, this season's Serie A surprise, can all but end the Italian title race if they beat Juventus at home this evening.

Gian Piero Gasperini's side only arrived back in the top flight last term but shrewd signings such as striker Diego Milito and Brazilian Thiago Motta have propelled them to the fourth Champions League qualifying spot with eight games left.

Second-placed Juve were held 3-3 at home by a resurgent Chievo last weekend, dropping them nine points behind leaders Inter, and need a win to keep their slim hopes alive.

"It's a fundamental game for us," Gasperini told Sky TV.

"If we manage to do well against (Juve) it would be like passing the ultimate test.

"If it's our day, on our home turf we can manage the right result."

Genoa have lost just once at home this season but Argentine Milito, the team's top scorer with 16 league goals, looks likely to miss out with a leg injury.

Juve will be without winger Hasan Salihamidzic after he suffered a knee problem which is threatening to end his season.

Apart from bottom side Reggina hosting Udinese tomorrow at 4 p.m., this weekend's games will be played today because of Easter.

All matches will hold a minute's silence before kick-off for the victims of the earthquake which struck central Italy earlier this week and the players will wear black armbands.

Serie B games due to be played last night have now been postponed for April 21 because a mass state funeral was held yesterday.

Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi, whose sixth-placed side face faltering Lazio in the city derby (15.00), believes Serie A games should also have been put back, sentiments echoed by team-mate Francesco Totti.

"I think right now football should be put to one side," Totti said.

"We must stay close to people who now have nothing. I think it's a moment to think about other things than football."

Inter, now definitely without striker Adriano as he sorts out personal problems in Brazil, host Palermo this afternoon with goalkeeper Julio Cesar hoping to shake off a groin injury.

Milan, four points above Genoa in third, visit Chievo in Verona and fifth-placed Fiorentina, two behind Gasperini's side, entertain Cagliari.