Cagliari vs Udinese preview - Festa: We want to finish with a win
Posted Saturday, May 30, 2015 by PA
Cagliari coach Gianluca Festa has warned Udinese his side are determined to sign off with a win at the Sant'Elia stadium on Sunday.
Since Cagliari's relegation was sealed earlier this month, the club has been preparing for life in Serie B while Udinese, are safe after securing top-flight football last month.
"We want to go out with a win after a difficult season which has ended in relegation," Festa said to the Italian press. "It would be nice to finish with a home victory and we will give our all for that to happen."
Festa replaced Zdenek Zeman earlier this year but was unable to save Cagliari as their 11-year run in Serie A came to a painful end two weeks ago.
Cagliari, who will end the campaign in 18th place, have won seven matches this year, including last weekend's 1-0 triumph at Cesena, and lost 20 of their 37 games.
"We tried to do best we can but it was not enough," Festa said. "I hope I can remain next season and help the club return to the top flight as soon as possible."
The Sardinian club has struggled at home, losing six and winning just one of their last eight encounters at the Sant'Elia stadium.
Udinese, who are two places and 10 points above Cagliari, will be looking for one final victory to make up for their dismal run of form.
The Friuli outfit has mustered just two wins in its last 12 league games and last weekend's 1-0 home defeat to Sassuolo was its third straight loss.
Udinese coach Andrea Stramaccioni will be hoping Sunday's match will not be captain Antonio Di Natale's last for the club.
The veteran forward, who is Udinese's top scorer with 14 goals, is pondering retirement this summer.
"I hope Di Natale remains," Stramaccioni said. "He is a very important player for us and I believe he can still play at the highest level."
Udinese will not have midfielders Guilherme and Panagiotis Kone available with both players serving a one-match ban this weekend.
Moreover, Udinese goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis is doubtful with a knee injury and Simone Scuffet could take his place in goal.
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