Catania vs Bologna preview - Pioli urges Bologna focus

Bologna coach Stefano Pioli has warned his team not to lose focus ahead of their game at Catania.

The Rossoblu players were in celebratory mood after Sunday's 3-2 triumph over Genoa was sufficient to see them retain their top-flight status.

The result lifted Bologna to 11th place, 10 points clear of 18th-place Lecce with three games remaining.

"Our aim is still to take as many points as possible in our last three games," Pioli said. "We are very satisfied to have defended our Serie A status.

"The win against Genoa was crucial. We deserve to end the season in the best possible way even though at this stage of the campaign the energy levels are not the same as earlier this year.

"We hope to give our fans that have been there for us in the difficult times more joy in the next few weeks."

Pioli has reason to be confident as his side travel to the Angelo Massimino stadium unbeaten in five games.

Rivals Catania are two points clear of Bologna in the table. The Sicilians have mustered just one win in their past seven games.

Last weekend's 1-1 draw at Palermo, which followed their 3-0 loss at Cagliari, left Catania in ninth place, level on 47 points with Parma, who are eighth.

"We would like to finish the campaign in eighth place," Catania coach Vincenzo Montella said. "I think that would be a prestigious result for the club.

"We are not as sharp as we were earlier this year but I'm confident my players will give their all in our final games."

The hosts will be without Argentinian midfielder Pablo Barrientos, who must serve a one-match ban.

Bologna are hoping to recover midfield pair Diego Perez and Gaston Ramirez, both doubtful with muscular problems.