Catania vs Cagliari preview - Lopez wants to build momentum
Posted Friday, March 07, 2014 by PA
Cagliari coach Diego Lopez is hoping his players can build on last weekend's 3-0 victory over Udinese when they visit Catania on Saturday.
The Sardinian outfit followed the 1-1 draw at Inter Milan with an emphatic win over Udinese to clinch only a second win of 2014.
"My players are finally reaping what they have sown on the field," Lopez said. "Against Udinese, my players responded as I thought they would.
"I told my players after the game that if they display the same fighting spirit they showed against Udinese, they can win against any team."
The outcome lifted Cagliari to 14th position in the standings, seven points clear of the drop zone.
Lopez's side will look for a first win on the road this season in Saturday's contest.
Cagliari have mustered just six points away from home - all from draws - so far.
"It's important that we get a win on the road as soon as possible," Lopez said.
Cagliari will be at full strength at the Angelo Massimino Stadium with midfielders Albin Ekdal and Daniele Conti returning from suspension.
Rivals Catania have won just one of their last eight fixtures.
Last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Genoa was their second successive loss and dropped the Sicilian outfit to 19th place, two points adrift of safety.
"We need to climb up in the standings," Catania coach Rolando Maran said. "Each week there are less games left to play and we are in a dangerous position.
"We need to turn our fortunes around, starting on Saturday."
The hosts are without injured strikers Lucas Castro and Pablo Barrientos but welcome back forward Gonzalo Bergessio from suspension.
Catania defender Giuseppe Bellusci must serve a one-match ban.
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