Vice-President Luca Mancini has revealed Cesena’s plans for the season do not include progression in the Coppa Italia this week.
Thursday sees the Emilia-Romagna side travel to Napoli for the Last 16 of this year’s edition of the Italian knockout competition.
However, the club are anticipating fielding a non-competitive side to initiate an early exit and allow focus to fall completely on the relegation battle in Serie A.
Vice-President Luca Mancini has revealed Cesena’s plans for the season do not include progression in the Coppa Italia this week.
Thursday sees the Emilia-Romagna side travel to Napoli for the Last 16 of this year’s edition of the Italian knockout competition.
However, the club are anticipating fielding a non-competitive side to initiate an early exit and allow focus to fall completely on the relegation battle in Serie A.
“For us, the Coppa Italia match on Thursday falls at the wrong time,” Mancini admitted to TuttoNapoli.net. “On the Sunday we have a direct confrontation with Novara. We can’t get hurt at the San Paolo, because our main goal is survival.
“We’ll play the reserves, which obviously won’t be able to match Napoli’s team.”
The Cavallucci Marini are embroiled in the fight for League survival and currently sit in 19th position, six points adrift from safety after defeat at the weekend was matched with sides above Bologna and Siena both winning.
“What has happened to Cesena?” reflected the Vice-President. “Around us there was much enthusiasm in the summer for some good buys, whilst we made some significant investment in the club and the stadium.
“Something has not gone to plan, we will now try to fix that in the market.”
Mancini also gave his take on the ongoing reports that the club will release Antonio Candreva to Napoli in exchange for Mario Santana. President Igor Campedelli intimated that the midfielder is likely to leave.
“We spoke with Santana in the summer in an attempt to pick him up on a free. However, Candreva is very important for us, young and technically valuable.
“In June we will release Candreva back to Udinese, so any transfer now must also come with Udinese’s agreement. Losing him would be painful for us, but choices must be made.”