Gian Piero Gasperini said third-place Genoa “earned every one of our points” after beating Milan 1-0.
The Grifone not only went into third place on their own after Napoli were held 2-2 by Empoli, but also notched up 26 points – a record in Week 14 since this Serie A format started in 1929-30.
Genoa had not been third at this stage since the 1939-40 campaign and are unbeaten in two months.
Gian Piero Gasperini said third-place Genoa “earned every one of our points” after beating Milan 1-0.
The Grifone not only went into third place on their own after Napoli were held 2-2 by Empoli, but also notched up 26 points – a record in Week 14 since this Serie A format started in 1929-30.
Genoa had not been third at this stage since the 1939-40 campaign and are unbeaten in two months.
“We are aware that certain games played like this can get the best out of us and give great satisfaction to the fans,” said Gasp when grinning from ear to ear.
“Our position in the table is unexpected, but I have to say we earned every one of those points this season.
“After the goal we had a moment of euphoria where the adrenaline made the players perhaps go more individual than as a team, but we got back on track.
“We made life difficult for Milan, did everything to our best and thoroughly deserved the victory.”
Considering their position, Genoa must surely now be targeting European qualification.
“Talking about safety with 26 points at this stage seems a bit much… Unless we throw everything away! On the other hand, we cannot set objectives considering the teams behind us are well-equipped for success.
“We just want to keep this run going, having played great football and taken results off top teams like Juventus and Milan. Hopefully we can continue riding on the wings of this enthusiasm.”
Diego Perotti wreaked havoc in the Milan defence with his runs down the left flank.
“Perotti belongs in a top club. A few years ago he was a star at Sevilla, had a couple of difficult seasons, but now that he is in good shape has returned to that level.
“He’s one of the best in his position in Italy, but also in Europe. He can attack, defend and above all play football anywhere you put him. He takes men on continually and I have to praise our directors for finding Perotti at such a good bargain price.
“We have players like Bertolacci, Sturaro and Perin who are maturing and growing under our very eyes. The last time we went into the Europa League, we finished fourth on a par with Fiorentina with 68 points. We had Milito and Motta, so that was a different campaign and probably cannot be repeated.
“This team is perhaps even more complete in terms of covering every position. We’ll have to see how things go in future.”