Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini is adamant Genoa can upset the odds and beat Serie A leaders Inter Milan on Saturday.

Although ravaged by injury, Genoa go into the home clash firmly believing that their impressive team spirit can be used to dash Jose Mourinho's hopes of claiming all three pints.

"We are in a permanent state of emergency, but it is a situation that many clubs have at the moment," Gasperini revealed.

"We certainly wouldn't be so arrogant as to suggest we're starting on a par with Inter, even if we are playing at Marassi.

"To cut down the gap from the champions of Italy, which is possible in a one-off match, we need to be humble, concentrated and have respect.

"We'll need to run more than them and hit on the break. I expect a great performance, keeping the result in the balance and standing up to the first impact.

"Genoa build their football on the overall team effort, more of a chorus than a selection of soloists. Inter have more of this now than they did last season."

Genoa will be without the services of Houssine Kharja, Bosko Jankovic, Ivan Juric, Domenico Criscito and Giuseppe Biava.

Inter meanwhile are missing the likes of Samuel Eto'o, Diego Milito and Thiago Motta - something Gasperini, somewhat surprisingly, is unhappy about.

"It would've been nice to face Milito and Thiago, especially as I always like to take on an opponent in its best condition, making a real sporting test out of it.

"We are prepared for many different eventualities and have the alternatives we need to adapt."