Gigi De Canio will “join the applause” when Palermo boss Gian Piero Gasperini returns to face his Genoa tonight, but also makes it clear things have changed.

Gigi De Canio will “join the applause” when Palermo boss Gian Piero Gasperini returns to face his Genoa tonight, but also makes it clear things have changed.

The evening kick-off sees Gasp step back into Marassi for the first time since his departure from the club in 2010. Click here for a match preview.

“It will be an emotionally meaningful moment when Gasperini returns to Marassi and the fans will applaud him with affection. I too will join them,” said De Canio.

“What he has done here will always remain, but what’s done is done. It’s another story today. There aren’t many left from that Genoa side that found success with Gasperini. Maybe Marco Rossi, who is injured, and Bosko Jankovic, but this is not Gasperini’s Genoa.

“We started practically from scratch and that takes time. I can be satisfied with the two objectives we had set ourselves: showing a different approach and gaining psychological solidity so we don’t collapse at the first sign of trouble. This gives me confidence for the future.”

Genoa are on eight points and Palermo only four, but De Canio was impressed with the Sicilians’ 4-1 victory over Chievo last Sunday.

“Tonight two teams capable of playing great football come face to face, each with their own potential and problems. In recent outings Palermo have shown they are improving. I expect a balanced encounter.”

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