US Sassuolo Calcio vs Cagliari preview - Pulga wants survival boost

Returning Cagliari coach Ivo Pulga has urged his team to take a big step towards retaining their Serie A status with a win at relegation-theatened Sassuolo on Saturday.

Pulga was handed the reins of the Sardinian outfit earlier this week after Diego Lopez was dismissed following a poor run of form.

The 49-year-old Pulga, who led Cagliari to an 11th-place finish last season, returns to the club just two months after being sacked as Lopez's assistant.

Last weekend's 3-1 defeat to Roma was Cagliari's fourth loss in their past five games and dropped the islanders to 15th in the standings, seven points clear of the drop zone with six games remaining.

Cagliari have mustered just three wins in 2014 and Pulga is determined to turn things around, starting on Saturday.

"This is a crucial game for us," Pulga said. "A win would allow us to turn the page on our relegation fears.

"We must get three or four more points to be calm as I believe, unlike other seasons, that 36 points might be enough to avoid the drop.

"It's certainly not going to be easy because Sassuolo plays good football and are desperate to get results."

Second-bottom Sassuolo will fancy their chances of taking at least a point against a Cagliari side that is winless on the road this season.

Eusebio Di Francesco's side goes into the game at the Citta del Tricolore stadium inspired by last weekend's 2-0 triumph at Atalanta.

The outcome, their second victory away from home, halted a three-match losing streak and lifted the promoted outfit to within three points of safety.

"Our next two games - Cagliari and Chievo - are going to be crucial in view of our future," Di Francesco said. "Right now we have a 50 per cent chance of staying up.

"We will have to wait and see what happens as we face two teams that are also fighting to avoid the drop.

"I believe and so do my players, that we can avoid relegation."

The visitors will be without midfielder Albin Ekdal and striker Nene, both sidelined through injury.