Palermo vs Cesena preview - Rossi issues rallying call

Posted Sunday, April 10, 2011 by PA

Palermo coach Delio Rossi has told his players to stand up and be counted if they are to play in Europe next season.

The Sicilians sacked coach Serse Cosmi after Sunday's 4-0 defeat at Catania and put the reins back in the hands of former boss Rossi.

Palermo have lost six of their last seven league games and head into Sunday's match against Cesena in eighth place, seven points behind Roma, who hold the last European qualifying spot.

"I have told my players that I want to see a different mentality with respect to that displayed in recent weeks," said Rossi, who was dismissed back in February following a 7-0 home defeat to Udinese.

"We must respect the club and our fans by working hard in training every day and giving everything we have in our remaining seven games.

"We still have a chance to achieve an important aim and we will do everything possible to finish in the top six."

Palermo have struggled in every department, scoring just once in seven games while giving away 15 goals in as many matches.

Cesena, meanwhile, travel to La Favorita hoping to climb to safety having dropped to the relegation one after last weekend's 2-2 draw against Fiorentina.

The promoted outfit is just one point behind Lecce, who hold the last position of safety.

"We will try to keep handing good performances in our remaining games and hope results come our way for us to defend our Serie A status," said Cesena coach Massimo Ficcadenti.

Cesena, who have lost just once in their last six encounters, welcome back pivotal midfielder Marco Parolo from injury.

The hosts will be without trio Ezequiel Munoz, Giulio Migliaccio and Javier Pastore, all suspended.