Angelo Ogbonna claims the Bianconeri won’t allowed themselves to be distracted by events elsewhere on Sunday, insisting their focus will remain purely on claiming all three points in Cesena.
Nearest challengers Roma have the opportunity to close the seven-point gap earlier on in the day when they host Parma in the afternoon, but the defender says the reigning champions will put events in the capital firmly to the backs of their minds when they take to the field at the Dino Manuzzi.
Previewing the game with Sky Italia, Ogbonna began: “We need to be focused. The fact that Roma could win in the afternoon doesn’t put us under pressure. Our aim is to get the three points in Cesena.”
The defender, who departed the Bianconeri’s 6-1 Coppa Italia win over Hellas Verona before half time after reporting pain in his ankle, says he is no longer suffering from discomfort and feels ready to push for a place in the starting line-up.
And he is confident the team will be able to cope without talismanic top scorer Carlos Tevez, who sits out Sunday’s clash after reaching the yellow card limit.
“I’m in good shape, I’ve recovered from my ankle problem and we’re preparing for the game as best we can. I don’t think the loss of Tevez will cause us any problems. We’ve experienced many absences this year and plenty of alternatives have been capable of coming in and replacing the so-called regular starters without any difficulties.”
With just over 10 days to go until the Bianconeri return to Champions League action in a mouthwatering encounter against Borussia Dortmund, Ogbonna was asked his opinion on how the game is shaping up.
He added: “It won’t be an easy encounter. Even though they’re not going great guns in the league, Dortmund have always shown themselves as an opponent to be feared on the European scene.”