Bari vs Lecce preview - De Canio wants Lecce effort

Posted Sunday, May 15, 2011 by PA

Lecce coach Luigi De Canio has urged his players to show the same determination that saw them beat Napoli in the last round when they visit Bari.

The Giallorossi beat Napoli 2-1 to climb to 17th in the standings, two points clear of the drop zone with two games remaining.

With 18th-placed Sampdoria hosting Palermo this weekend, De Canio is hopeful this could be the weekend that sees his team finally defend their Serie A status.

"We have two more games left to play and we have to get a win on Sunday and hope that Palermo grant us a favour by beating Samp," he said.

Javier Chevanton's late goal - only awarded when the referee overruled his assistant's original decision not to give it - handed Lecce victory over Napoli and kept their fight for Serie A survival alive.

"This victory allowed us to remain in the battle to avoid the drop," De Canio said. "But that will mean nothing if we lose on Sunday.

"We have to show the same hunger and determination that we displayed against Napoli."

Lecce's main weakness this season has been their backline.

They have the leakiest defence in the competition with 62 goals given away in 36 games.

However, Lecce defender Nenad Tomovic believes his team must put their technical weaknesses to one side and be mentally ready.

"At this time, the physical aspect is not as important as the mental one," he said. "We need to be psychologically ready for the two finals that await us."

Rivals Bari have nothing to play for except pride.

The Stadio San Nicola will be sold out as the city of Bari hosts its last Serie A match for the foreseeable future.

Bari are already doomed to Serie B football - 24 months after gaining promotion to Italy's top flight.

Last weekend's 2-1 loss at Palermo marked their 23rd defeat of the campaign and left the Galletti at the foot of the standings.

"We have had some good moments with wins against Juventus and draws against AC Milan and Napoli, but those highlights don't cancel out a dreadful season," said Bari midfielder Massimo Donati.

Lecce will be without striker Daniele Corvia, who serves a one-match ban.