CHAT WITH DAD INSPIRED DOUBLE, SAYS STRIKER

GENOA’S Giovanni Simeone said a pre-match talk with his dad, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, spurred him on to a brace that laid the foundations for a shock 3-1 win over Serie A champions Juventus. Genoa moved up to ninth and although coach Ivan Juric praised his side’s unwavering commitment, he also had the Simeones to thank. “Before every game I speak to my dad, but not about football – although it’s true he told me I would score against Juve,” said Simeone, who was born in Madrid in 1995 while his famous father was playing for Atletico. Giovanni has been watched with interest since signing for Genoa in the summer following a one-season loan deal with Argentine side Banfield. Although he differs in that he is an out-and-out striker, the confident streak is the same. “I knew you’d be interviewing me today for something other than my dad,” added Simeone, who now has four goals in 10 appearances for Ivan Juric’s side. Juric was keen to play down the individual performances of his players, saying only that Rigoni and Simeone “are doing well”. And amid suggestions Simeone could soon follow injured Juve star Paulo Dybala into the Argentina national side, he is keeping his feet planted firmly on the ground. “I’m ready for anything,” he added. “If there’s an opportunity I’ll jump at it, but we’ll see what comes and when. For the moment, I’m just happy to be here and learning from other players like Pavoletti, the coach and from everyone.”