• De Rossi replaced Patrick Vieira last November and saved Genoa from relegation trouble
• The Italian boss collected 35 points from 29 matches at an average of 1.21 per game
• La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Secolo XIX report a verbal agreement is in place
• The club aims to reinforce midfield and attack whilst keeping Tommaso Baldanzi
• This role offers De Rossi his first chance to manage a full top-flight campaign

Genoa have reached an agreement with manager Daniele De Rossi over a contract extension. The former Roma midfielder took charge at the Marassi last November following the dismissal of Patrick Vieira.

The Ligurian club faced a serious battle against relegation when De Rossi arrived. However, he successfully turned their fortunes around and guided them to safety in Serie A. Under his leadership, the side secured nine victories, eight draws and suffered 12 defeats. This record gave them an average of 1.21 points per match.

De Rossi previously stated he would only remain at the club if the board shared his vision for the next campaign. According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport and Il Secolo XIX, both parties have now shaken hands on the deal.

Officials are currently preparing the paperwork. The contract has not yet been signed. The transfer strategy will focus on selling only essential players whilst boosting squad depth.

The priority targets are new recruits for the centre of midfield and attacking positions. The club also wants to retain Tommaso Baldanzi. The playmaker joined from Roma during the January transfer window.

This appointment offers De Rossi the opportunity to manage a complete season for the first time. His earlier spells at SPAL and Roma both ended before the completion of a full campaign.

• Atalanta have failed to win any of their last four matches in all competitions.
• Genoa need three points to guarantee their safety from relegation.
• The match will be broadcast live on DAZN in the UK and Paramount+ in the USA.

Atalanta will face Genoa at the Gewiss Stadium on Saturday evening. Both teams need points for different reasons. The home side want to return to winning ways. The visitors hope to secure their place in the league next season.

Raffaele Palladino’s men have not won any of their last four matches. This poor form has dropped them to seventh place in the Serie A table. They now face a tough battle to qualify for the Conference League.

Daniele De Rossi’s team sit in 14th position. They are 11 points clear of the relegation zone with four games left. A victory against Atalanta would guarantee their safety. They could also survive if Cremonese do not beat Lazio on Monday.

Palladino will likely keep the same attacking players. Giacomo Raspadori, Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca should all start. However, there may be changes in defence and midfield. Reports suggest Isak Hien, Honest Ahanor and Marten De Roon could come in.

Genoa may also make changes after losing to Como last week. They might switch from a 4-4-2 to a 3-5-2 system. Lorenzo Colombo could start alongside Jeff Ekhator in attack.

Predicted Genoa line-up (3-5-2): Bijlow; Marcandalli, Ostigard, Zatterstrom; Sabelli, Frendrup, Amorim, Masini, Ellertsson; Ekhator, Colombo.

The match will be shown live on DAZN in the UK. US viewers can watch on Paramount+.