Cagliari vs Empoli preview - Zeman eager to take second chance

Cagliari coach Zdenek Zeman is determined to make the most of his second chance in charge, starting on Saturday at home to Empoli.

The Sardinian outfit brought Zeman back earlier this week to replace Gianfranco Zola, the same coach who had replaced him in December.

The club decided to react after last week's 2-0 defeat at Sampdoria - their fifth loss in the last six league games.

Cagliari are 18th in the standings, four points adrift of safety with 12 games remaining.

"I really didn't expect to get a call back," Zeman told the Italian media."I hope that with respect to my first spell, results change.

"I hope I can help the team climb up in the standings although we face a difficult calendar.

"We just have to focus on ourselves and try to get a result regardless of who we face."

Cagliari have the worst defence in the competition with 49 goals given away while they have not scored more than one goal since January 24.

"We play good football but we miss so many easy goals," Zeman said. "We need to make the most of our chances.

"I don't expect every shot to go in but my team has to show more determination.

"We also need to show more focus at the back."

Cagliari beat Empoli 4-0 earlier this season but the visitors have not lost in six games and last week impressed in a 1-1 draw against Genoa.

Federico Barba's equaliser handed the Tuscan outfit a valuable point in their battle to defend their Serie A status.

Maurizio Sarri's side are 14th in the table, nine points clear of the drop zone.

"Empoli are a very good side," Zeman said. "They are very organised and are having a good season.

"We expect a difficult match."

Empoli have given away just three goals in their last six games but have won just once on the road this season.

The Tuscan outfit must overcome the absence of suspended midfielder Mirko Valdifiori.

Cagliari will be without defender Danilo Avelar and midfielder Andrea Cossu, who are suspended.