Cagliari vs Cesena preview - Ficcadenti: We must prove ourselves

Cesena coach Massimo Ficcadenti has called for his players to stand up and be counted as they fight to avoid the drop, starting at Cagliari.

Ficcadenti's men lost 2-1 to Inter Milan last time out and are two points and two places above the drop zone with three games to go.

The coach knows salvation is in his side's hands and has issued a rallying cry to his troops.

"Every player has inside of himself desire to get back to winning ways," Ficcadenti said.

"We have the chance to prove ourselves again at Cagliari.

"It will be an important game, which we have to play with our hearts and our brains."

Ficcadenti has called for his players to forget the painful defeat to Inter a week earlier in order to regain their confidence.

Cesena, who gained promotion last season, looked to be heading for a surprise win before conceding two late goals.

"It was a disappointing defeat considering we had the win in our hands," Ficcadenti said. "But we must bounce back and look to the future with optimism.

"The team is growing and made a good impression against Inter.

"We will go to Cagliari this weekend looking for a win."

Cagliari lie in mid-table security with nothing much to play for, but coach Roberto Donadoni insists the Sardinians will give 100%.

He said: "We know Cesena will be thirsty for victory but we are ready for them.

"We have our targets and if we have to fight of course we won't hold back.

"Our determination will be at its maximum also to honour our fans.

"The people of Cagliari this year have given us extraordinary support and we want to repay the enthusiasm and the warmth they have given us."

Cagliari go into the encounter on the back of a 2-0 defeat at Catania, their second straight loss.

The hosts will be without Nene and Francesco Pisano, with both sidelined through injury, while Andrea Cossu is suspended.

Ficcadenti will have all of his players available.