Luigi Del Neri confessed to holding out for a year for the chance to coach Genoa, with the veteran manager promising to guide the Serie A club to a bright future.

Rossoblu president Enrico Preziosi was quick to install the 62-year-old as Luigi De Canio’s replacement on Monday, unconcerned that his new man was the former boss of Genoa’s fierce rivals Sampdoria.

But Del Neri – who left Juventus last year following a disappointing campaign – insisted his true loyalty was always to the Ligurian city itself.

At his unveiling in Pegli, he told reporters: “Genoa is a great place and there is every chance that we can be successful here.

“We want to bring in good results and start laying the foundations for years to come.

“I promised Preziosi that I wouldn’t go anywhere. I waited for a year and now here I am.

“After a year without coaching, I was keen to get back in the game. We can’t forget the past. My season with Samp was an important one in my career but now both parties have chosen different paths.

“I never considered turning Genoa down. I know the fans well and I’m sure there will be a good relationship between us.”

De Canio’s dismissal came as the result of a lacklustre start to the new season, the surrendering of a two-goal lead at home to Rome on Sunday proving to be the final straw for Preziosi.

But Saturday’s trip to Milan could be a rough introduction to life in the Rossoblu hotseat as Del Neri looks to both tweak a misfiring forward line and shore up his defence.

“We won’t deviate from playing with four at the back because that gives us the most security,” Del Neri added.

Club president Preziosi said: “Del Neri is the right man. There is an affinity and mutual respect between us. I’m extremely convinced with the choice I’ve made.

“Our objective is to secure our survival and then in January we’ll dip into the transfer market.”