Hellas Verona play host to Cesena on Saturday afternoon at the Stadio Bentegodi in a bid to all but secure Serie A status for another season.
The Mastini are 11 points clear of the drop zone going into this weekend and another win would more than likely ensure safety for the Gialloblu.
Verona were in good form going into their last match before the international break against high-flying Lazio, where they were undone by goals from the exciting wing duet of Felipe Anderson and Antonio Candreva. Prior to that defeat Verona were unbeaten in four matches, including an impressive home win over Napoli, as well as draws with Roma and AC Milan.
By contrast, Cesena had failed to win in three matches entering the international period, losing to Roma having drawn twice in a row against Inter and Palermo. Their last win came against Udinese in early March and, having already endured an 18-match winless run this season, they will be desperate to avoid similarly bad form with the ever-present threat of relegation looming.
The two teams drew 1-1 when they faced off earlier this season. It’s a result that mirrors their last meetings in Serie B two seasons ago. Back then Verona and Cesena played out two draws, a 0-0 at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi and a 1-1 at the Bentegodi. Such form suggests another stalemate could be on the cards.
Verona’s Greek internationals; Panagiotis Tachtsidis and Vangelis Moras, were lucky to emerge relatively unscathed having been involved in a car crash following their country’s recent Euro 2016 qualifier against Hungary.
Despite having had stitches to the knee Tachtsidis will join Moras in being available to play. Verona welcome back Juan Gomez from suspension, but they will, however, be without midfielders Artur Ionita, Gustavo Campanharo and Mounir Obbaddi through injury.
Cesena’s absentee list includes Guido Marilungo, Ze Eduardo, Luca Valzania, Franco Brienza and Andrea Tabanelli. They will be looking to French forward Gregoire Defrel as their main source of attacking inspiration in a bid to win some vital points.
Neither team will have to deal with suspensions when picking their teams for this fixture.
Form Guide: Verona (L-D-W-D-W-L) Cesena (D-L-W-D-D-L)
Expected Starting XIs
Verona: Benussi, Sala, Moras, Marquez, Pisano; Christodopoulos, Tachtsidis, Hallfredsson; Jankovic, Gomez, Toni.
Cesena: Leali, Perico, Capelli, Krajnc, Nica; Giorgi, Mudingayi, Pulzetti; Carbonero; Defrel, Djuric.
