Eusebio Di Francesco sees today’s encounter with Cesena as a “relegation dogfight” for his Sassuolo.

It kicks off at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.

The Neroverdi have reason to be more optimistic after a Serie A record seven-round unbeaten run, though that was ended at Palermo last week.

Eusebio Di Francesco sees today’s encounter with Cesena as a “relegation dogfight” for his Sassuolo.

It kicks off at 17.00 GMT, click here for a match preview.

The Neroverdi have reason to be more optimistic after a Serie A record seven-round unbeaten run, though that was ended at Palermo last week.

“We had become too accustomed to success,” smiled Coach Di Francesco. “We know what our real objective is this season and that with Cesena it’s a head-to-head for safety.

“Despite the defeat, we are coming off some good performances and will target the three points.

“Of course this is a relegation dogfight. Cesena will come here looking for points, but they’ll encounter a team that absolutely wants to win. After all, that would allow us to open up an even bigger gap from the bottom three.”

Sassuolo could’ve had considerably more points if they had avoided last-gasp goals against Roma and Palermo.

“Maybe we should change the rules to end games at the 90th minute,” he joked.

“I’d say 2014 was a good year for Sassuolo. Even after a 7-0 defeat to Inter, we reacted strongly, but there’s a long way to go. We need to work, work, work.”

Andrea Consigli and Paolo Cannavaro are suspended, but Domenico Berardi’s return from a ban is a huge boost.

Sassuolo squad for Cesena: Pomini, Polito, Celeste; Longhi, Antei, Vrsaljko, Acerbi, Bianco, Gazzola, Terranova, Peluso; Magnanelli, Chibsah, Missiroli, Biondini, Taider, Brighi; Zaza, Pavoletti, Sansone, Berardi, Floro Flores, Floccari

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