Cesena vs Genoa preview - Coppola upbeat ahead of Genoa test

Cesena midfielder Manuel Coppola has called for his team to play without fear when they host his former club Genoa on Sunday.

The Emilia-Romagna outfit have won just one of their opening 12 games so far.

Cesena have collected just five points since their 1-0 triumph over Parma on August 31 and last weekend's 1-1 draw against Sampdoria left Pierpaolo Bisoli's side in 19th place, two points adrift of safety.

"We gave a good performance against Sampdoria and we deserved much more than a point," Coppola told the Italian media. "We must look ahead with optimism and show great determination.

"Genoa play good football. We will need to keep or concentration at all times and try to get a good result.

"We take on Genoa knowing that we can do well against them, provided we show our true value and we remain united."

Coppola, who spent three seasons with the Grifoni before joining Siena in 2008, has fond memories of his time at Genoa.

"I spent three fantastic years at Genoa and the club will always remain in my heart," he said.

"I was part of the Genoa team that twice won promotion from C1 to Serie A."

Genoa travel to the Dino Manuzzi stadium riding a seven-match unbeaten run.

The Grifoni have drawn their last two games, including Monday's 1-1 result against Palermowhich lifted them to fifth in the standings, two points adrift of Napoli, who are third and hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.

"We deserve our position in the standings," Genoa midfielder Edenilson said. "Now we need to focus on where we can improve on.

"Our aim right now is to return to winning ways at Cesena."

Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini is without midfielder Stefano Sturaro, who serves a one-match ban this weekend.

The hosts must overcome the absence of suspended defender Daniele Capelli.b b