Cesena vs Parma preview - Cesena set for Serie A return

Cesena are hoping to enjoy their Serie A return after a two-year absence and ensure it lasts "as long as possible".

There may be a party atmosphere when the Emilia-Romagna club host Parma on Sunday, but coach Pierpaolo Bisoli is under no illusions about the hard work required to keep them in the top flight.

"We are preparing for a difficult year and we all have to give our own contribution to make this stay in the top flight as long as possible," Bisoli said.

The Seahorses have brought in 16 new faces, including experienced striker Franco Brienza, as they look to turn a playoffs-winning side into one capable of Serie A survival.

Brienza, 35, joined Cesena from Atalanta this summer and is determined to have a starring role.

"I am here to prove my worth and help the team do well," he said. "We know it's going to be a difficult campaign but we have a fantastic group and this is a good starting point."

Parma hope to pick up where they left off last season when they travel to the Dino Manuzzi stadium.

The Gialloblu finished sixth in Serie A last term but were not granted a UEFA license to compete in Europe due to financial irregularities.

"Having a better campaign than last season will be difficult," Parma coach Roberto Donadoni said. "But it's not impossible and we will certainly try.

"We must have the desire to grow and improve."

Parma have only managed to make on signing this summer, with Italian midfielder Francesco Lodi arriving from Catania.

"I cannot wait to play with (Parma striker) Antonio Cassano," Lodi said. "He is a very talented player, who can make a difference at any time."

Cassano, who scored 12 goals in 34 league appearances for Parma last season, will lead the Gialloblu's attack on Sunday.