Cesena vs Palermo preview - Cesena stare down the barrel

Posted Sunday, April 22, 2012 by PA

Rock-bottom Cesena host strugglers Palermo on Sunday knowing a defeat could see them relegated to Serie B.

The Cavallucci Marini lie 15 points adrift of Genoa with 18 points still up for grabs.

Genoa, just outside the drop zone, host Siena this weekend.

With only four wins all season, Mario Beretta's side have done little to defend their Serie A status.

Cesena have the worst striking force in the competition with only 19 goals in 32 games.

That has contributed to their failure to win since January 15 and they go into the encounter on the back of a 1-1 result at Genoa - their fourth straight draw.

"We are disappointed with our campaign," Cesena goalkeeper Francesco Antionioli said. "But the important thing for us is to end the season in the best possible way.

"We have many reasons to beat Palermo on Sunday and we will go out to win for our fans."

Cesena can expect no favours from Palermo, who travel to the Dino Manuzzi stadium looking for only their second win on the road this season.

Palermo have won just one of their last eight games and their drop in form in recent months have seen then fall to 11th place.

The Sicilians are six points clear of the drop zone and know the importance of the game.

"Our focus is on the game at Cesena," Palermo striker Igor Budan said. "We know that to take three points there would all but guarantee us Serie A safety.

"Once we have achieved that, we will try to finish as high as possible in the standings."

Palermo coach Bortolo Mutti is set to hand captain Fabrizio Miccoli a place in the starting XI after the veteran striker rested against Fiorentina.

Miccoli is Palermo's top scorer with 12 goals so far.