Lecce vs Cesena preview - Strugglers set for crunch showdown

Cesena go into Sunday's game at fellow-relegation strugglers Lecce still scrapping for every point they can get in a desperate bid to retain their top-flight status.

Mario Beretta's side sit at the foot of the standings, 14 points adrift of safety with nine games remaining.

You have to go back to January 15 for their last victory, and they have taken only three points since.

A lack of goalscoring has been Cesena's main problem this season as they have managed only 18 goals in 29 games.

Beretta's men ended a five-game goal drought in a 2-2 draw with Parma last time out.

"Against Parma we showed that we are a team that is still very much alive and that still believes in avoiding relegation," Cesena midfielder Raphael Martinho said.

"I think we gave a positive sign to our fans who are very disappointed and rightly so with our current position in the standings.

"Now we must give a similar performance at Lecce."

Rivals Lecce have also struggled in front of goal.

The Salentini have found the back of the net just once in their last three league games, much to the disappointment of club coach Serse Cosmi.

"We must do better," Cosmi said. "We must create goalscoring opportunities and make the most of our chances."

Last weekend's goalless result at Novara left Lecce in 18th place, five points behind Parma, who hold the last position of safety.

With Parma hosting high-flyers Lazio this weekend, Lecce know the importance of Sunday's game in their battle to defend their Serie A status.

"We have to keep a cool head and play with intelligence," Lecce midfielder Gennaro Del Vecchio said. "Cesena are a good side but for us, three points are a must on Sunday."