The clubs said in a statement that "a mandate has been given to Assietta S.p.A., a financial consultancy company, specialising in corporate finance, as an advisor for the sale of the club".

"To support the sale process, the advisor will also be supported by a subject with an international profile," the club added.

Italian businessman Enrico Preziosi, who controls one of the country's biggest toy manufacturers, took over the club in 2003, when they were in the second tier.

The club returned to Serie A in 2007.

Genoa -- founded in 1893 -- are just one point above the relegation zone with two games left this season.

The club have won nine Serie A titles, all during the late 19th and early 20th century, the last in 1924.