Cagliari vs Parma preview - Festa focused on Parma points

Posted Sunday, May 03, 2015 by PA

Cagliari coach Gianluca Festa has issued a rallying cry to his players ahead of Monday's must-win game against already-relegated Parma.

The stakes are high for the Sardinian outfit going into the showdown at the Sant' Elia stadium as three points could prove crucial in their battle to avoid the drop.

Cagliari have lost five of their last six league games, including Wednesday's 1-0 defeat at Chievo, and are 18th in the standings, six points adrift of safety with five games remaining.

"The game against Parma is very important for us," Festa said to the Italian press. "There are 15 points still up for grabs and we are not giving up.

"We have to fight and this has to be the mentality of all my players. We will try until the end and we will not give up.

"Despite the loss at Chievo, my players proved that we are still alive and we will continue on this path."

Cagliari have won just five and lost 19 of their 33 games so far.

The Sardinian outfit, which has the leakiest defensive line in the competition with 63 goals conceded, will not be at full strength with defender Nicola Murru and midfielder Andrea Cossu both serving a one-match ban.

Bottom-side Parma travel to Sardinia with nothing to play for except pride after being relegated last week.

Wednesday's 4-0 defeat at Lazio was Parma's 22nd loss of the campaign and dropped the Gialloblu 16 points adrift of safety with 15 points still up for grabs.

Parma have endured a difficult campaign on and off the pitch. The Ducale club was declared bankrupt in March and Parma's players have not been paid since last summer.

Parma have been docked seven points this season, four last month, as punishment for financial mismanagement.

"It has been a very complicated season," Parma coach Roberto Donadoni said. "We take with us the positive things we have done in recent times.

"Now we will look to end the campaign in the best possible way."

Parma defenders Andrea Costa and Zouhair Feddal return from suspension.

However, the visitors will be without goalkeeper Antonio Mirante and striker Ishak Belfodil, both serving a one-match ban.

Alessandro Iacobucci will replace Mirante between the posts.