Siena vs Cesena preview - Giampaolo: Make up for missing Mutu

Cesena coach Marco Giampaolo hopes his players can overcome the absence of Adrian Mutu when they visit Siena on Sunday.

Mutu was slapped with a three-match ban by the Italian football league for violent conduct in last weekend's goalless draw against his former club Fiorentina.

The Romania international punched Fiorentina's Mattia Cassani and was shown a straight red card in that game.

"Adrian is well aware that what he did was wrong," Giampaolo said. "But my focus right now is on the players that I have available.

"I have seven other strikers available for Sunday's game."

Mutu's punishment could not have come at a worse time for Cesena, who have a tricky week ahead.

Cesena host Cagliari on Wednesday before meeting Parma four days later.

Cesena have had a dismal start to the campaign, claiming just two points from their opening six matches.

They have yet to win in Serie A this season and are at the foot of the standings.

"We are not in a good position and we have to do better in every department," Giampaolo said.

Cesena have struggled in front of goal, scoring just two times this season.

Erjon Bogdani will replace Mutu and partner Citadin Eder in Cesena's attack.

Rivals Siena will be looking to pick up where they left off in last weekend's goalless draw at Cagliari.

"I'm very happy with the point taken against Cagliari," Siena coach Giuseppe Sannino said. "We did a good job in a difficult stadium as is the Sant' Elia.

"We played a good game just as we had prepared it so I can only be satisfied with my team's display."

Siena are 14th in the standings.