Bologna vs US Sassuolo Calcio preview - Di Francesco set for survival fight
Posted Saturday, March 08, 2014 by PA
Eusebio Di Francesco faces his first test on Sunday away to Bologna since returning to guide Sassuolo.
Sassuolo dismissed Alberto Malesani after just one month in charge following Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Parma.
The result was Sassuolo's seventh straight loss, their fifth under Malesani.
Di Francesco, who was shown the door back in January and was replaced by Malesani, inherits a team that lies at the foot of the standings, four points from safety.
However, he is confident he can guide the struggling side to avoid the drop.
"We have 12 finals left to play," Di Francesco said. "The most important game for us is the one at Bologna.
"We need a win to remain in the race to defend our Serie A status.
"It will be crucial to recover the enthusiasm and fighting spirit in the changing room."
Sassuolo have the leakiest defence in the competition with 55 given away in 26 games.
"In order to improve we need to work hard and try to limit our mistakes," Di Francesco said.
To complicate matters for Di Francesco, the team's top scorer Domenico Berardi will serve his first of a three-match ban this weekend.
Berardi was sent off after elbowing a Parma player on Sunday.
"Domenico made a mistake," Di Francesco said. "But he is a very talented player and has a lot of room for improvement."
Bologna are 16th in the standings, one point clear of the drop zone.
The Rossoblu had to settle for a point against Hellas Verona last time out after Bologna striker Rolando Bianchi had a penalty saved.
"We need to put that game behind us and focus on taking three points against Sassuolo," Bologna coach Davide Ballardini said.
The hosts will be without defender Archimede Morleo and striker Jonathan Cristaldo, both suspended this weekend.
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