Catania vs Lecce preview - Catania desperate for winning feeling

Relegation-threatened Catania are in dire need of their first victory of 2011 as they go into Sunday's home game against Lecce.

The Sicilians sit just one point above the drop zone after last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Bologna.

Catania have mustered just two points in their last seven games and their last league triumph was on December 19.

A defeat on Sunday could see Catania drop into the bottom three if Brescia beat Lazio or Cesena upset Udinese.

The appointment of coach Diego Simeone last month has failed to spark Catania's season into life.

Simeone replaced sacked Marco Giampaolo but the Argentinian has yet to taste victory after four games in charge.

Catania have mustered just one goal in that time and Simeone is desperate for his players to show a huge improvement.

"We had three opportunities to score against Bologna yet we didn't find the back of the net," said Simeone. "The team is playing well and creating chances but the reality is we are not turning those into goals.

"We have to continue to work hard and make the most of our chances."

Fortunately for Catania, Sunday's rivals have the worst backline in the competition with 43 goals given away in 24 games.

Lecce, who lie one place and one point clear of Catania, fell 4-2 to Palermo in the last round.

That result halted Lecce's five-match unbeaten run.

"We must put this defeat behind us and focus on our game at Catania, who like us, are also involved in the battle to avoid the drop this season," said Lecce midfielder Djamel Mesbah.

Lecce coach Luigi De Canio has received good news ahead of the encounter with striker David Di Michele having recovered from a muscular injury.

Di Michele missed last weekend's clash against Palermo but is expected to lead Lecce's attack this weekend.

The hosts will be without suspended defender Pablo Alvarez but welcome back midfielder Ezequiel Carboni from injury.