Cesena vs Chievo preview - Di Carlo: We will fight to the end

Cesena go into Sunday's home game against Chievo still scrapping for every point they can get in a desperate bid to retain their top-flight status.

Domenico Di Carlo's side lie 18th in the standings, four points adrift of safety with nine games remaining.

"We will battle until the end to avoid the drop," Di Carlo said to Gazzetta dello Sport. "There are still 27 points up for grabs and we will try to get as many points as possible to climb up in the standings."

Cesena have won just one of their last eight league games but showed great determination in last weekend's 3-3 draw at Hellas Verona.

The Emilia-Romagna club trailed 3-0 but hit back with three strikes in the last 20 minutes to stun Hellas and earn a vital point.

"My team is like that," Di Carlo said. "They make the impossible look possible. We still need to show a lot more focus on defence but I was pleased with how my team reacted when all looked lost.

"That hunger is what we must have at the start of every game."

Chievo travel to the Dino Manuzzi stadium eager to get back on track after Saturday's 1-0 reverse at Sassuolo.

The defeat halted Chievo's four-match unbeaten run and saw them drop to 16th in the standings, 10 points clear of Cesena.

"Sunday's match is a must-win game," Chievo midfielder Valter Birsa said. "We are disappointed to have lost against Sassuolo but we must quickly turn the page.

"The game at Cesena is crucial for our season and we cannot fail.

"I believe we can win on Sunday."

Chievo will fancy their chances of taking at least a point at Cesena as they have conceded only one goal in their last five league games.

Chievo coach Rolando Maran will have all of his players available with the exception of injured midfielder Federico Matiello, who is out for the rest of the season.