Genoa vs Cesena preview - Ficcadenti proud of team
Posted Sunday, May 22, 2011 by PA
Cesena coach Massimo Ficcadenti has paid tribute to his players for retaining their Serie A status following their promotion to the top flight last summer.
The final game of the season at Genoa will be a celebration but also Ficcadenti4s last in charge of Cesena.
The club confirmed ahead of Sunday4s encounter that the 43-year-old, who has been strongly linked with the Torino hotseat next season, will not sign a contract extension with Cesena, with his current deal ending in June.
Under Ficcadenti, Cesena have taken 43 points from their 37 games so far and sit seven points above the drop zone.
He said: "I am very proud of my team.
"It has been a very intense season but we have never been in danger.
"We've always believed in our strength and in the quality of the group, and that has allowed us to overcome difficult times.
"Few thought we could avoid relegation but we have proved them wrong and it's a great victory for us."
Ficcadenti4s men have proved worthy opponents to Italy's top teams, beating Serie A champions AC Milan while holding Roma and Juventus to draws.
Last weekend4s 1-0 win over Brescia was Cesena4s fourth triumph in five games.
"I have to compliment my players," Ficcadenti said. "I knew that I had a quality group. I knew that we could defend our Serie A status.
"We've worked hard and my players deserve all the praise because they have done everything they had to."
Rivals Genoa will be looking for one final victory in what has been a disappointing campaign for the Grifoni.
Davide Ballardini4s side heads into the match on the back of a 4-2 defeat at Lazio which saw the team drop to 10th in the standings.
A lack of form when playing away from home ended Genoa4s hopes of playing in Europe next year.
Genoa have won just one encounter on the road since Christmas and that was at city rivals Sampdoria on February 16.
Ballardini4s men have, however, managed to remain in mid-table positions thanks to their solid performances in Genoa.
Genoa have won five of their last six games at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium.
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