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Genoa's Giovanni Simeone 'would love' to play for Atletico Madrid

Genoa striker Giovanni Simeone has said his dream is to one day play for Atletico Madrid, the team his father Diego Simeone has coached since 2011.

Simeone, 21, joined Genoa from River Plate this summer and is eager to follow in the footsteps of his dad, who played for the Rojiblancos for five seasons during two spells at the Spanish club.

Simeone Jr told Cadena Ser radio: "I would love to play for Atletico.

"Not just because of how the club has treated my father but because of how they have treated our whole family.

"They are a great club, very humble."

Simeone Jr says he follows Atletico during his spare time but believes that neither the Rojiblancos nor current La Liga leaders Real Madrid will win the league this season.

Real are six points clear of nearest rivals Barca at the top of the standings while Atletico are fourth and nine points adrift of the summit.

"Real Madrid are doing very well but I think Barcelona will win La Liga," he said.

Simeone Jr, who was born in Madrid and spent four years in Spain before moving to Argentina, has scored four goals in 11 league appearances, two of which came in his team's 3-1 home win over Serie A leaders Juventus on Sunday.

Simeone congratulated his son and posted two photographs on his Twitter account, one showing him celebrating a goal as a Lazio player and the other his son celebrating one of his goals against Juve in similar fashion alongside the word: "emocionante," which translates as "exciting."

Sunday's result halted a three-match winless run for Genoa and lifted the team to ninth in Serie A.

"It was a beautiful game," he said. "We really needed this after our recent results."

Simeone Jr has admitted he has had to step up his game to meet the demands of Italy's top flight.

He said: "It's difficult to adapt to Italian football. The level is much higher.

"The speed, technique is different not just in games but in training. It's not easy. You have to concentrate every day."