Gianfranco Zola told Cagliari they “must win” today’s relegation dogfight with Cesena after losing his debut 5-0.
It kicks off at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“It is not a positive moment for us, but we have the quality to cause Cesena problems,” said Zola in his Press conference.
The Coach took over from Zdenek Zeman on Christmas Eve, but his first game in charge was a 5-0 demolition at the hands of Palermo.
Gianfranco Zola told Cagliari they “must win” today’s relegation dogfight with Cesena after losing his debut 5-0.
It kicks off at 14.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.
“It is not a positive moment for us, but we have the quality to cause Cesena problems,” said Zola in his Press conference.
The Coach took over from Zdenek Zeman on Christmas Eve, but his first game in charge was a 5-0 demolition at the hands of Palermo.
Daniele Conti was sent off in Sicily and is therefore suspended along with Diego Farias, but Marco Sau is back in the squad after a lengthy injury.
Victor Ibarbo, Alessio Cragno and Andrea Cossu are on the treatment table.
“During the week we worked on the mentality of the lads, as we are well aware that the game in Palermo was anomalous. Conti’s red card made it impossible to get back into it.
“The team is training well and we need to find that result that can kick-start our campaign. We must win and I expect a high-intensity performance.
“Sau only had one training session with us and is not at his best, but it’s still important to have him with us. He’ll start from the bench, but is one of those players who can change a game.”
Zeljko Brkic arrived from Udinese and Alejandro Gonzalez from Verona, so Zola reveals “one of the two will probably start.
“Gonzalez has different characteristics to our other centre-backs. He is fast, has explosive change of pace and the quality we had been looking for.
“Brkic is an excellent goalkeeper and very strong on high balls, which can make the difference. The club is moving well on the market.”
This weekend Josef Husbauer of Sparta Prague and Duje Cop of Dinamo Zagreb will also undergo their medicals.
Cagliari squad for Cesena: Brkic, Carboni, Colombi; Avelar, Balzano, Benedetti, Capuano, Ceppitelli, Gonzalez, Murru, Pisano, Rossettini; Barella, Crisetig, Dessena, Donsah, Joao Pedro, Ekdal; Caio Rangel, Capello, Longo, Sau