Cesena vs Catania preview - Carrizo set for Catania bow

Posted Saturday, February 04, 2012 by PA

Juan Pablo Carrizo is set to make his Catania debut in the Serie A game at Cesena.

The Argentinian goalkeeper joined the Sicilian outfit this week on a five-month loan deal from Lazio.

Carrizo, who made just two appearances for the Romans this season, will be handed the role of first choice goalkeeper after the Sicilians decided to loan Mariano Andujar to Estudiantes de la Plata this week.

The 27-year-old Carrizo cannot wait to make an immediate impact at Catania.

"I didn't give my best for Lazio for personal reasons," Carrizo said. "But now I have been given another chance to relaunch my career and I want to make the most of it.

"I need to work hard and give my best.

"I want to help this team finish as high as possible in the standings."

Catania have not won on the road since beating Lecce 1-0 on November 26, but they will be bolstered by the return of defender Nicola Legrottaglie and midfielder Sergio Almiron from injury.

Catania were held to a 1-1 draw with Parma last weekend, a result that extended their winless run to four games.

That poor run of form, which has brought just one point in their last three league games, has seen the Sicilians drop to 15th place, seven points above the drop zone.

The good news for Catania coach Vincenzo Montella is that his side has had time to prepare for Saturday's game at the Dino Manuzzi stadium as their game at Siena on Wednesday was postponed due to heavy snow.

Rivals Cesena go into the encounter in buoyant mood having held Napoli to a goalless result in Naples on Wednesday.

"Considering the quality of opposition we were up against, this point is very important to us," said Cesena coach Daniele Arrigoni, whose side has nevertheless won just once in their last seven games.

"My men put in a decent showing for the entire 90 minutes.

"This performance is a big boost in confidence for the team ahead of the game against Catania."

Cesena are 19th, three points behind Siena, who hold the last position of safety but have a game in hand.