Cesena vs Bologna preview - Pioli wants strong finish

Bologna coach Stefano Pioli is hoping his side can avoid a late-season slump.

The Rossoblu travel to bottom side Cesena having suffered two defeats in a row, losing 2-0 at Atalanta and falling 3-1 to Palermo last time out.

With eight rounds still to play, Bologna have yet to secure Serie A football and lie 14th in the standings with 36 points from 30 games.

"The team is very determined to get as many points as possible in our remaining eight games," Pioli said.

"We still have a lot of work to do to defend our Serie A status and we cannot throw away all the good work we have done earlier this season.

"We have struggled in recent weeks but we must look forward with optimism.

"Saturday's match is important for us and we must give our all to bring home a good result."

Fortunately for Bologna, they face a Cesena side that is showing few signs of improvement, having not won since January 15.

They were held to a goalless draw at Lecce last time out and lie 14 points behind safety with eight games remaining.

However, Cesena coach Mario Beretta has urged his players not to throw in the towel just yet.

"We have to believe in ourselves," Beretta said."We played a good game at Lecce and I'm confident we will do well in our remaining games.

"We have eight incredible tests ahead of us and we will give our all.

"Each weekend we try to take a step forward and I hope we can cut the deficit when we take on Bologna."

Cesena's task will be all the more complicated with wingers Adrian Mutu and Daniel Pudil, both serving a one-match ban.

The visitors will be without Slovenian midfielder Rene Krhin, who underwent successful knee surgery this week.