Catania vs Sampdoria preview - Cavasin urges Samp to stick together

Posted Sunday, March 13, 2011 by PA

New Sampdoria coach Alberto Cavasin is determined to give his team's stuttering season a shot in the arm by claiming a morale-boosting win at Catania.

The former Fiorentina and Brescia tactician was this week given the task of sparking Sampdoria's season into life after club president Riccardo Garrone ended the tenure of Domenico Di Carlo.

Di Carlo has endured a difficult spell with the Blucerchiati since taking over last summer.

Last weekend's 3-2 home defeat against Cesena was Samp's third loss in four games and dropped the team to 14th place, three points clear of the drop zone.

"I am aware that there are problems and things that need to be sorted out," said Cavasin, who has signed a contract until the end of the season. "But I have a united group that can turn things around.

"In order to do so, we will need everyone, including the fans, to stand by the team."

Samp have given away five goals in their last two games and Cavasin is expected to make a number of tactical changes at the Angelo Massimino Stadium.

Catania trail two points behind Samp heading into Sunday's match.

Diego Simeone's side lost 3-0 at Fiorentina in the last round as its 13-month winless run on the road continued.

Defeat for Catania this weekend could see them drop into the relegation zone with the Sicilians just one point and two places above 18th-place Lecce.

The visitors will be without suspended defender Daniele Gastaldello while midfield pair Franco Semioli and Angelo Palombo are doubtful through injury.

Catania will be bolstered by the return of defender Blazej Augustyn from suspension.