US Sassuolo Calcio vs Cesena preview - Di Carlo believes in Cesena cause

Cesena coach Domenico Di Carlo has faith in his beleaguered side ahead of Saturday's clash at Sassuolo, despite their precarious position in the Serie A table.

Di Carlo's side lie 19th in the standings, five points adrift of safety, heading into their final game of the year.

Cesena have won just one of their 15 league games and their 4-1 home defeat to Fiorentina last time out was their ninth loss of the campaign.

That game was Di Carlo's first in charge since replacing sacked Pierpaolo Bisoli earlier this month.

"It is a delicate period but the Christmas break is around the corner and we will make the most of it," Di Carlo told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"There were positives from our performance against Fiorentina and I don't think the result reflected what my players did on the pitch.

"I have confidence in my team and I know we can turn around this negative trend.

"We must continue to work hard and try to avoid making certain mistakes."

Cesena, who have the second leakiest defence with 29 goals conceded, will be desperate to avoid a fourth straight loss.

Di Carlo's men have not won on the road since beating Reggina 2-1 in Serie B on May 17.

Cesena have mustered just one point from a possible 21 away from home this season.

Sassuolo head into the encounter against their Emilia-Romagna neighbours having to do without goalkeeper Andrea Consigli and defender Paolo Cannavaro.

Both players were sent off in last weekend's 2-1 defeat at Palermo and are suspended.

The loss in Sicily was Sassuolo's fourth defeat of the campaign and halted their eight-match unbeaten run.

"We didn't deserve to lose but we must put the defeat behind us and concentrate on taking three points on Saturday," Sassuolo coach Eusebio Di Francesco told the Italian media.

Sassuolo are 12th in the standings, seven points clear of the drop zone.

Alberto Pomini is set to replace Consigli between the sticks.