Reggiana have new faces in place for Friday night’s clash with Cremonese but they could do with history repeating itself to give their hopes of Serie B survival a much-needed boost.

Davide Dionigi has replaced William Viali as coach and veteran Mattia Destro has been brought in to boost the strikeforce of a side third from bottom in the table and without a win in their previous eight matches.

The last time these two met Reggiana won 2-0 through goals from Antonio Vergara and Luca Vido but the bad news for the hosts is, that result in Cremona in early December lit a fire under their opponents that has shown little sign of blowing out.

The visitors arrive having lost just two of their 15 games since that encounter – to Salernitana and Cesena. And having scored 11 goals in their last four outings they will fancy their chances against a defence that was breached five times last weekend.

Reggiana’s bid to maintain their second-tier status took a hit against Sassuolo when the league leaders claimed a 5-1 victory in a game boycotted by the locals. They stayed away in protest over Sassuolo’s refusal to let them have their usual area of the stadium they share but used to own.

The result signalled the end of Viali’s reign, and Dionigi’s time in charge coincides with the arrival of former Italy, Roma, Milan and Bologna forward Destro.

The 34-year-old, who represented his national team eight times, has joined until the end of the season, having been a free agent since leaving Empoli at the end of last season.

The gap between the teams is 17 points and 14 places but Cremonese boss Giovanni Stroppa is taking nothing for granted.

He told his club’s official website: “(This is) a game with many pitfalls. It’s surprising that they (Reggiana) are in that position in the standings because they have important players… The other pitfall is the change of coach: you have to expect everything, adapt to the field and understand how to go and get them.”

He added: “The doubt we have is what Reggiana will do, from the tactical disposition to the strategy. There are many situations to evaluate, moreover Dionigi used different modules. We will only find out from the kick-off.”

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