Genoa coach Pasquale Marino believes the absence of striker Alberto Gilardino through injury has cost his side dearly in recent weeks.

Gilardino: Absent for Genoa

Marino's men have lost three consecutive league games, including Sunday's 1-0 defeat at home to Chievo.

The Grifoni have been hit hard by the injury to star striker Gilardino, who has yet to return from a calf problem that has kept him out of action since February 10.

"We are missing Gilardino and his absence is hurting us a lot, especially in front of goal," Marino said to Gazzetta dello Sport.

"In the space of one week we have thrown away all the great work we had done before.

"We haven't scored in our last three league games while before we had struck 12 times in four games."

Gilardino is unlikely to recover in time for Saturday's home match against Parma.

"The morale of the team is low after our recent results but I expect an immediate reaction from my players," Marino said.

"We need to reach the 40-point mark as soon as possible in order to defend our Serie A status.

"For that to happen, we must show focus."

Genoa are 11th in the standings with 30 points from 24 games.