Palermo go into Sunday's home game against Genoa feeling very upbeat despite their 5-3 defeat at Inter Milan on Thursday.

The Sicilian club trailed 4-0 at half-time against the Serie A leaders and defending champions but displayed plenty of character in the second half.

"We are disappointed for conceding five goals but Palermo remained in the game," said Palermo coach Walter Zenga.

"I told my players at half-time that they might think I would probably take off a striker and bring on a defender to avoid a humiliating loss.

"But I said, 'No way. I'm bringing on a striker and I want to see what you can do.'

"Inter may have won the first half but I wanted to win the second half and I think my players understood."

The outcome not only ended a three-match winning streak for the Sicilians but also marked their first defeat since September 20 and saw them drop to seventh in the standings.

Nevertheless, Palermo goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu believes his team's performance against the Nerazzurri has given more self-belief to the team.

"Now we are aware that we can react even when faced with such a difficult situation," he said.

"Against Inter, we have taken great steps forward, especially in the way we reacted, and this can only be positive for the future."

Zenga, who was a goalkeeper during his player career at Inter Milan, will now be hoping his players can maintain their unbeaten run at home when they take on Genoa.

Gian Piero Gasperini's Genoa, who are one point clear of Palermo in the standings, travel to the Mediterranean island on the back of a 2-1 win over Fiorentina.

Gasperini's men had been struggling, particularly in defence by allowing eight goals in the previous two rounds, but showed a vast improvement against the Viola.

"We claimed three important points against a very good team," said Genoa striker Hernan Crespo.

"We fought until the end and the team proved against Fiorentina that we did not deserve the heavy defeats we endured in previous weeks against Inter Milan and Cagliari.

"Now we must keep working hard and give continuity to our performances."

Genoa will have to keep a close eye on Fabrizio Miccoli.

Palermo's top scorer struck twice at Inter to increase his goal tally to five this season.

The visitors will also be keeping their fingers crossed that Giandomenico Mesto can continue his form in front of goal, with the striker having hit the back of the net in the last two games.

Both sides go into the encounter with injury woes.

The visiting Grifoni are still without Bosko Jankovic, Ivan Juric, Ivan Fatic, Houssine Kharja and Domenico Criscito.

The good news for Gasperini is that Emiliano Moretti and Alessio Scarpi return from suspension.

The hosts will be without Rubinho, Fabio Liverani, Levan Mchedlidze, Federico Balzaretti and Igor Budan.

end