Cesena vs Catania preview - Beretta: Cesena capable of surviving

Posted Wednesday, March 07, 2012 by PA

Cesena coach Mario Beretta has not given up hope his side can avoid the drop, although he admits it is going to be difficult.

Beretta's side host Catania in Wednesday's rescheduled encounter in desperate need of points.

Last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Fiorentina was Cesena's sixth loss in seven league games and left them at the foot of the standings, 13 points behind safety with 13 games remaining.

"If I didn't believe it was still possible to defend our Serie A status, I would leave," Beretta said.

"Throughout the season, the team has handed good performances but we don't seem to be able to capitalise and take points.

"It's going to be very difficult but there are still many games left to play and we will have take advantage of the mistakes made by our rivals to climb up in the standings."

Wednesday's game was called off last month due to adverse weather conditions in Cesena.

Cesena have the worst attack in the competition with just 16 goals scored so far.

Beretta's side, who have failed to find the back of the net in their past two league games, will be bolstered by the return of veteran forward Adrian Mutu against Catania.

Mutu was rested at the weekend after being involved in international duty with Romania last week.

"I thought it was best to rest him and have him fresh for our next two games at Catania and against Siena," Beretta said.

Catania, in contrast, are enjoying a fine season under coach Vincenzo Montella.

The Sicilians held Inter Milan to a 2-2 draw at the San Siro on Sunday - after being 2-0 ahead - and are two wins away from reaching the 40-point mark, a figure deemed sufficient to avoid the drop.

"We have a lot of confidence in our means," Montella said. "To be able to take a good result against a team like Inter is a good sign.

"We could have won that game but I'm nevertheless satisfied with my team's performance."

Catania have lost just one of their past seven games and travel to the Dino Manuzzi stadium in eighth place, three points behind Inter.