Genoa have winning momentum on their side as they go up against Napoli on Sunday afternoon.

Victories against Roma and Atalanta have seen the Grifoni join Juventus, Lazio and Sampdoria at the top of the standings.

"It's a nice feeling," said Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini. "We certainly could not have asked for a better start.

"But it is early days, we have played just two games and we need to stay humble."

Having given away two goals in their Serie A opener against Roma, the Grifoni showed an improvement defensively in their 1-0 victory at Atalanta.

Genoa midfielder Giuseppe Sculli nevertheless believes his team will be put to the test against a determined Napoli at the Luigi Ferraris stadium this weekend.

"Napoli are much stronger than they were last year," said Sculli. "They have signed great players like (Fabio) Quagliarella and (Morgan) De Sanctis.

"But we also have reinforced our team with strong players like Sergio Floccari and Hernan Crespo among others.

"We have received compliments for the club's acquisitions in the transfer market."

The Grifoni will have an added motivation to claim three points.

With Lazio taking on Juventus on Saturday, a win against Napoli could see the two Genoa clubs -Genoa and Sampdoria - lead the Serie A standings.

"Of course, it would be great for the city," said Sculli.

"I don't know if we will be at the top of the standings by Sunday night but we will play our game and try to get the win."

Gasperini will have to overcome the absence of pivotal midfielder Ivan Juric.

The 34-year-old twisted his right knee while in training with Croatia this week and tests done confirmed he has suffered ligament damage. Juric is set to be sidelined for at least two months.

Rivals Napoli travel north looking to pick up where they left off in their 3-1 win over Livorno.

The outcome marked their first victory of the campaign following their 2-1 loss at Palermo. Napoli coach Roberto Donadoni could not hide his delight.

"It was very important for us to start well at the San Paolo," he said. "We got the win, scored three goals and we could have won by a bigger margin."

The Azzurri fans will be hoping striker Fabio Quagliarella can again deliver. Quagliarella, who joined the Partenopei this summer from Udinese, struck twice against Livorno and is ready to do some damage at Genoa.

"I hope I can increase my goal tally at the Ferraris stadium," said the Italy international, who will partner Ezequiel Lavezzi up front.

"We are heading in the right direction in terms of our play. If we continue like this then it will be difficult to lose games."

Napoli will be hoping to put to an end their poor run on the road having failed to come out triumphant away from Naples since October 26, 2008 when they beat Lazio 1-0.

Argentina forward Hernan Crespo could make his season debut with Genoa on Sunday.