EXCLUSIVE Genoa manager Gasperini safe after Coppa Italia exit... for now anyway
Things are going horribly on the Ligurian coast right now.
Though Sampdoria have yet to win under new manager Vincenzo Montella, city rivals Genoa are somehow worse off, with three defeats on the trot consigning them to fourth from bottom in the Serie A.
To rub salt in the wound, Giampiero Gasperini's men were knocked out of the Coppa Italia last night by Lega Pro (the Old Serie C1, the Third Division) minnows Alessandria.
The dressing room is showing signs of discontent, with a stunning eight red cards proving that the picture is far from rosy. Star midfielder Diego Perotti is being linked to a move to Milan, and is reportedly unhappy at the Marassi Stadium.
This all begs the question: is manager Giamperi Gasperini on the brink, mere months after being a few scanned documents short of a Europa League berth?
According to our sources, the situation isn't as bad for the former Inter Milan manager as it might appear.
Owner and Chairman Enrico Preziosi wasn't in town for the Alessandria game, and will likely skip the away trip to Roma too. He has personal things to take care of, an unexpected reprieve for Gasperini.
Then again, a heavy defeat to Roma (who aren't going through a great moment themselves) could spell the end for the former Juventus youth coach, who is in his second stint with the Grifone, which he led to 5th place back in 2008-2009 with the likes of Thiago Motta and Diego Milito in the squad.
Gasperini has to be mindful: whilst most fans are angry at Preziosi, a few banners also dropped his name. The next few days could be key...
