Cesena are one of the strong contenders for a bottom-three finish in Serie A as the newly promoted side are just a place and a point above the relegation zone although they have played a game less.
However, the Seahorses have made a positive and hugely encouraging start to the new year as they have bagged four points out of a possible six in the first two games. A 2-1 defeat of Brescia away was followed by a goalless draw with Genoa at home last weekend and things have started to look brighter.
The visit of Roma on Sunday, though, promises to be a stern test for Massimo Ficcadenti's side as the former Italian champions themselves are aiming for a top-four finish and will come with the intention of garnering maximum points. Having lost four of the ten league matches at the Stadio Dino Manuzzi so far this campaign, the Seahorses cannot be overconfident against Roma.
Recovering From Defeat
Roma's start to the new year has been mixed as the Giallorossi have won one and lost one so far. Claudio Ranieri's side defeated Catania 4-2 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome in what was an enthralling encounter but went down 2-1 to Sampdoria in Genoa last weekend
With 32 points from 19 matches, the Lupi are currently placed in fourth spot in the Serie A standings, two points behind city-rivals Lazio and eight points off the pace. A challenge for the Scudetto has not yet evaporated but to win the championship for the first time since 2001 they need to return to winning ways.
Roma also need to repair their away form as out of the 10 games played on the road they have won just two and have conceded a whooping 17 goals. Ranieri is also said to be losing the support of some of his senior players and it will be interesting to see how the team performs in Cesena on Sunday.
TEAM NEWS
Cesena
Nagatomo is injured for Cesena and is unavailable for the visit of Roma.
Roma
Pizarro and Mexes are injured and will miss the trip to Cesena. Julio Sergio is suspended.
Prediction
A victory for Roma looks a likely result even though they lost to Sampdoria in Genoa last weekend. Against Cesena it will be easier for the Romans.
Cesena 1-2 Roma 
