It's a special game for Catania Coach Marco Giampaolo, who returns to face the club that fired him twice in a year.
“I have so many friends in Sardinia who care for me. I've been back many times and always feel so at home in Cagliari,” smiled the tactician.
He only spent a year at the Sant'Elia, but was fired in December 2006 and then re-hired in February 2007 to achieve safety.
It's a special game for Catania Coach Marco Giampaolo, who returns to face the club that fired him twice in a year.
“I have so many friends in Sardinia who care for me. I've been back many times and always feel so at home in Cagliari,” smiled the tactician.
He only spent a year at the Sant'Elia, but was fired in December 2006 and then re-hired in February 2007 to achieve safety.
Giampaolo was sacked again in November 2007 and, when President Massimo Cellino tried to call him back again a month later, rejected the offer because “pride and dignity are priceless.”
He is back in Sardinia today for a relegation dogfight, but Catania have picked up just three points from seven away games this season.
“Our first away victory will come sooner or later, I am certain, but we mustn't experience that wait with a sense of anxiety. I expect a great performance.
“Cagliari are a tough outfit, especially in midfield, and we must face them with genuine respect. In a week we have two decisive games before the Christmas break and must get as many points as possible.”
In the next round, the Elefantini welcome fellow relegation candidates Brescia to the Stadio Massimino.