Both sides will desperate for a win, if for very different reasons, when Cesena host Roma in a second-top versus second-bottom clash at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi on Sunday in Serie A.
Despite still being four points from safety the home side have seen a slight upturn in fortunes recently and are unbeaten in their last three games, including respectable draws with Inter and Palermo.
Domenico Di Carlo’s men are perhaps fortunate to still have a realistic chance of staying in Serie A after going on an 18-match win-less run immediately after winning their first game of the season against Parma.
However confidence has been lifted by some good recent results and if the Cavalucci Marini can build on that momentum they may just drag Atalanta into the relegation battle.
Roma on the other hand have been on a miserable run of five games without a win that has all but ended any hopes of a title challenge.
The big danger for Rudi Garcia’s men now is being pipped for second place by city rivals Lazio who are now just one point behind in third.
Anything other than a win for the Giallorossi on Sunday could put Garcia’s position as coach under serious threat given their recent form.
Cesena are without a win in five previous meetings between the two sides with Roma winning four and one finishing a draw.
The capital side prevailed 2-0 when the sides met earlier in the season at the Stadio Olimpico.
Di Carlo has no suspensions to worry about but will have to do without several injured players, including Riccardo Cazzola, Guido Marilungo, Andrea Tabanelli and Ze Eduardo.
Garcia meanwhile has Miralem Pjanic and Seydou Keira missing through suspension and an injury list that includes the likes of Kevin Strootman, Victor Ibarbo, Daniele De Rossi and Kostas Manolas.
Form Guide: Cesena (L-D-L-W-D-D) Roma (W-D-D-D-D-L)
Expected Starting XIs
Cesena: Leali; Magnusson, Lucchini, Kranjc, Perico; De Feudis, Mudingayi, Giorgi; Brienza, Djuric, Defrel
Roma: De Sanctis; Holebas, Yanga-Mbiwa, Astori, Torosidis; Paredes, Nainggolan, Florenzi; Gervinho, Llajic, Iturbe
