Cagliari vs Cesena preview - Di Carlo demands ruthless display

Cesena coach Domenico Di Carlo has called for his side to be more ruthless ahead of Sunday's match against fellow strugglers Cagliari.

Di Carlo's side has not won a game since the opening day of the Serie A season and lie at the foot of the standings, seven points adrift of safety.

Cesena lost 4-1 to Napoli on Tuesday in their first game of 2015 to see their winless run extend to 16 games and Di Carlo is desperate for his side to return to winning ways.

"We need to learn to defend when facing counter-attacks," Di Carlo told the Italian press. "On Sunday our race to avoid the drop begins.

"We need to work in order to change the mentality of the team.

"We can play against anyone provided we don't throw in the towel after conceding just one goal.

"My players must have more confidence in their game.

"Against Cagliari, we will have to limit the mistakes we make if we are to secure a positive result."

Despite their poor run of form, Cesena will fancy their chances of taking at least a point at the Stadio Sant'Elia this weekend with Cagliari still without a home win this season.

The Sardinian outfit endured a dismal start to life under coach Gianfranco Zola in the shape of a 5-0 defeat at Palermo.

Zola, 48, replaced Zdenek Zeman during the winter break with Cagliari having won just two of their opening 16 Serie A games.

"It's not the best of starts," Zola said. "This loss will be a lesson from my players and we will work hard to improve.

"We cannot dwell on the defeat, we have to react in the best possible way."

The defeat, Cagliari's ninth of the campaign, left the Rossoblu in 18th place, four points adrift of safety.

The hosts will be without the services of captain Daniele Conti and Argentina striker Diego Farias, who are both suspended.b