Cagliari vs Bologna preview - Ballardini eyeing response from Cagliari

Posted Sunday, November 27, 2011 by PA

Cagliari coach Davide Ballardini has called for an immediate response from his players when they face Bologna on Sunday as they aim to bounce back from their elimination from the Coppa Italia.

The Sardinians lost 2-1 against Siena on Thursday to bow out of the competition.

The defeat was Cagliari's fourth in a row and Ballardini's second since taking over the club after replacing sacked Massimo Ficcadenti earlier this month.

"We have a lot of work to do in order to more dangerous in attack," Ballardini said. "We lacked speed and failed to create chances against Siena.

"We weren't in the game and Siena played better than us.

"It's disappointing to leave the competition but now we must focus all our energy on the league.

"Against Bologna we need to read the game better and improve on our performance.

"I expect victory on Sunday."

Cagliari have not won since October 2 and last weekend's 2-1 loss at Inter dropped Ballardini's side to 15th place.

Bologna were also involved in Coppa Italia action this week and beat Serie B side Crotone 4-2 on Wednesday to set up a showdown with Juventus in the next round of the competition.

The result followed their 1-0 loss at Cesena - their second consecutive defeat in the league.

Bologna know that anything but a win this weekend could see them fall to the relegation zone.

The Rossoblu are 17th in the standings, two points clear of the drop zone.

"We still have to find that continuity that is needed in order to avoid relegation," Bologna coach Stefano Pioli said.

"My players have to go on the pitch with the attitude of those who must survive."

Bologna are without suspended midfielder Gaby Mudingayi.

Thiago Riveiro will replace Nene in Cagliari's attack with the latter out until next year with a thigh strain.