Cagliari v Catania
Posted Friday, October 18, 2013 by PA
Cagliari's players should have an extra spring in their step when they take to the Stadio Sant'Elia pitch to face Catania on Saturday.
The last time the Sardinian outfit played in their aging stadium was in April 2012.
They moved to the ill-fated Stadio Is Arenas for the start of the 2012-13 season but the new build consistently failed safety checks, seriously disrupting their campaign.
The Rossoblu have since spent most of their time in exile at Trieste's Stadio Nereo Rocco.
Only 5000 fans will be allowed into the Sant'Elia on Saturday as a safety measure, but Cagliari captain Daniele Conti is delighted the wait is finally over.
"For the past two years we have been without our stadium," Conti said. "This has been a torture. It has been very difficult for us.
"For the city, for our fans and for ourselves, we want to return to play at the Sant'Elia."
Cagliari have only won once this season and sit in 14th place with seven points from seven games.
Saturday's opponents Catania have also struggled to make an impact so far, taking only one win from seven games.
The Sicilians are hoping to emerge triumphant in the battle between the islands and kick-start their own campaign.
"This is an important game for us," Catania defender Pablo Alvarez said. "We hope we can bring some points home.
"Cagliari are a strong side and we will have to be extremely careful not to give them any space.
"I believe in our group and we are working hard to limit our mistakes."
Catania have not won on the road this season and take on a Cagliari side that has yet to lose a 'home' game.
The visitors, who coached by Rolando Maran, have not won at Cagliari since sealing a 1-0 triumph in the 2006-07 season.
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