Catania manager Luigi De Canio has insisted that the club will avoid relegation from Serie A this season.

Following Saturday evening's goalless draw against Hellas Verona, Catania are two points adrift at the bottom of the league, but De Canio is confident that they can stay up.

"Unfortunately we were only missing a goal, but we proved we're still alive and kicking," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"This is the path we must follow to climb back up the standings. We have several players who are still injured or recovering, like Giuseppe Bellusci, Sergio Almiron and Gonzalo Bergessio.

"Once we have the complete squad at our disposal, we will all come together to get out of this difficult moment. I thank the club for keeping its faith in me and I think after this performance that faith will remain intact."

Catania visit Roma in Serie A on December 22.