Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini admits he's felt the weight of expectation ahead of today's big derby against Sampdoria.

"This is a special game for the rivalry and the surrounding atmosphere created by the fans. It is worth three points on paper, but victory gives you more than that in terms of confidence," said Gasperini.

"Aside from that, we know that our objective this season is to ensure our safety from relegation.

"Usually the derby is a balanced game in which either team can pop up with the winner. I think dead-ball situations or an individual moment of skill can be decisive, but it is not always the player you expect who becomes the hero. We will try to hit Samp's weak spots.

"We realise there is a lot of work to do and we can definitely improve in every area, but so far I'd say we have had a positive start."