Cesena vs Catania preview - Simeone's side daren't look down
Posted Wednesday, February 02, 2011 by PA
Catania visit fellow strugglers Cesena with the added pressure of knowing that defeat could see them drop into the relegation zone.
The Sicilians are two places and two points clear of third-bottom Cesena after last weekend's 2-0 loss to AC Milan.
Diego Simeone's Catania have managed to collect just 22 points from 22 games thus far and remain winless since December 19.
"We are in a difficult situation," Simeone said. "The team doesn't react and we just have to work as hard as possible to change that trend.
"I am not afraid because the only thing I know is to work hard.
"Even in my first experience as coach back in Argentina with club Racing we were last with two points and then we managed to defend our status winning the last five games of the season."
Catania have failed to find the back of the net in their last two games, but will be boosted by the return of Maxi Lopez to the starting line-up.
The Argentinian striker has shaken off an ankle injury that saw him miss the game against Milan and will partner compatriot Alejandro Gomez up front.
The hosts, meanwhile, will be desperate to get a decent result on Wednesday with a tough run of fixtures to follow at Napoli and against Udinese.
Cesena have reason to be optimistic of taking at least a point as Catania remain winless on the road this season.
The promoted outfit picked up a point thanks to Erjon Bogdani's late equaliser in their 1-1 draw at Lecce in the last round.
The outcome left Massimo Ficcadenti's side in 18th place, one point behind Lecce who hold the last position of safety.
"Considering how the game was going, we cannot be too disappointed with the result," Ficcadenti said.
"In the end, we claimed a point and that is what counts.
"Now we turn our attention to the game against Catania, knowing that we have another opportunity to climb out of the relegation zone."
Cesena will be without Maurizio Lauro and Giuseppe Colucci, who are both serving a one-match ban.
However, new signing Davide Santon is set to start having joined Cesena on loan from Inter Milan.
end
Photos
More»
Meet Jude Bellingham's stunning girlfriend Laura
Thursday April 25 2024
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Man Utd 4 - 2 Sheffield United
Thursday April 25 2024
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Arsenal 5-0 Chelsea
Wednesday April 24 2024
Your Say