Cesena vs Bari preview - Mutti: We're desperate for victory

Posted Sunday, April 17, 2011 by PA

Relegation-threatened Bari are showing few signs of recovery but coach Bortolo Mutti insists his team are well aware of the importance of the match at Cesena.

With just one win from their last 14 games Bari lie bottom of Serie A, 11 points from safety with six matches left to play.

Last weekend's 1-1 draw against Catania was of little comfort for the Galletti, who did not gain ground on 17th-place Sampdoria.

It is a frustrating state of affairs for Mutti's men, but Bari have struggled in every department this season.

They have mustered just 20 goals in 32 games while their defensive record is atrocious - they have conceded 47 goals, the third-worst record in the league.

Time is running out for Bari to lift themselves out of trouble and victory over Cesena is a must.

"There is no doubt in our minds that the game at Cesena is extremely important for us," said Mutti. "I am not thinking about Cesena but about my team and our desperate need to win.

"We need to give everything we have and hope to return to winning ways as soon as possible."

Bari and Cesena will be hoping Serie A leaders AC Milan can do them a favour and beat Samp, who lie one place above the relegation zone.

Cesena are 18th, just one point behind Samp and two places above Bari.

A win on Sunday would be a big boost in confidence for Cesena, who have drawn three of their last four games, including last weekend's 2-2 result at Palermo.

It will be no easy task for Cesena as to complicate matters coach Massimo Ficcadenti will be forced to make several changes to his starting XI with Steve Von Bergen, Paolo Sammarco, Alex Calderoni and Fabio Caserta all suspended.