Vincenzo Montella sees Wednesday’s clash with Siena almost as a relegation play-off, where a win would present Catania a significant advantage.
Vincenzo Montella sees Wednesday’s clash with Siena almost as a relegation play-off, where a win would present Catania a significant advantage.
The two sides, respectively placed 15th and 17th in the table, meet in midweek to play out the rearranged fixture that was called off in Week 21 due to heavy snow and cold temperatures that hit Tuscany earlier this month.
Montella, whose side fell 3-1 in Turin at the weekend, believes that a win over Siena is vital for his club’s season objective of beating the drop.
“We must give our all, we are in a key moment of the season,” the young Coach reflected on Tuesday.
“A win would allow us to increase a crucial advantage in survival and to return to the top half of the table with another game in hand still to play.
“This challenge is worth more than any other and the result will be very important – it is almost a play-off.”
The former Roma tactician, however, recognises that the game with Giuseppe Sannino’s men will not be straightforward.
“They are a patient side, with a great temperament and they sense when you become too confident.
“Merit goes to a good Coach who gets his players to follow him.
“We must try to undermine their defensive system between the lines with the speed of our strikers, whilst trying to remain vigilant about their ability to counter-attack.”
Wednesday’s game at the Robur’s Stadio Artemio Franchi kicks off at 5.30pm UK time.