Hellas Verona vs Cesena preview - Mandorlini eyeing 40-point mark

Hellas Verona coach Andrea Mandorlini is hoping his players can become more ruthless at home, starting with Saturday's game against strugglers Cesena.

The Verona outfit, 11 points clear of the drop zone, will play seven of their last 10 league games at their Marcantonio Bentegodi stadium.

Hellas have collected 18 of a possible 39 points in Verona so far and Mandorlini knows his side must do better if it is to defend its Serie A status.

"Our only priority is to reach the 40-point mark as soon as possible," Mandorlini told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Of our 10 remaining games, seven will be played at the Bentedodi stadium, including the city derby at Chievo (May 10)."

Mandorlini thinks the 11-point cushion they currently have can disappear quickly.

"It might appear easy but in football, nothing is certain," he said. "We need to make the most of our home games, starting against Cesena."

Hellas lost 2-0 at Lazio in the last round to see their four-match unbeaten run come to an end. They are now 16th in the standings.

"The game against Cesena is crucial," Mandorlini said. "We need to be fully focused and get a victory against a side that is desperate for points."

Cesena, are 19th in the standings and level on 21 points with Cagliari, who are 18th.

The two sides are 11 points behind Verona.

The Emilia-Romagna outfit lost 1-0 against Roma last time out to concede their 15th loss of the campaign.

Cesena have won one of their last seven league games and are five points adrift of safety.

With 30 points still up for grabs, Cesena coach Domenico Di Carlo remains confident his team can beat the drop.

"We are not giving up hope," Di Carlo said. "We are very much alive and eager to give everything we have in our final 10 games."

Cesena have won just once away from home all season.