Cesena - Fiorentina preview - Di Carlo targets winning debut

New Cesena coach Domenico Di Carlo is convinced the club has the potential to do well this season as he prepares for his first test against Fiorentina on Sunday.

The former Chievo and Livorno tactician took the reins of the Emilia-Romagna outfit this week from Pierpaolo Bisoli, who was sacked after Cesena's 3-2 defeat to Atalanta.

Cesena go into this weekend's clash at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi having collected just one point from their last four Serie A games.

Di Carlo has inherited a side that sits 19th with one win from 14 games.

But despite the team's poor run of form, he is convinced he can turn things around.

"We need time but we can achieve the club's aims this season," he told Cesena Calcio. "We will need a different approach if we are going to defend our Serie A status.

"We can change this negative trend but only through hard work.

"We have to be strong and show courage."

Cesena have not won since their opening league game of the season.

Fiorentina players head into Sunday's match with criticism from coach Vincenzo Montella ringing in their ears.

The Viola followed up last week's goalless draw against Juventus with a 2-1 home defeat to Dinamo Minsk in the Europa League on Thursday night.

The result, Fiorentina's first loss in Europe this season, did not prevent the Viola from progressing to the last 32 as group winners, however.

"I expected a lot more from my players," Montella said. "I'm ashamed of the defeat.

"We lacked concentration and intensity.

"There was only one team that came out ready to play and that was Dinamo Minsk.

"I apologise to our fans."

Fiorentina have won their last two away games in Serie A and are ninth in the standings.

The visitors are without pivotal Colombian midfielder Juan Guillermo Cuadrado, who is suspended.

Di Carlo, meanwhile, will have all of his players available with the exception of midfielder Luigi Giorgi, who must serve a one-match ban.