Cesena have given their hopes of avoiding relegation from Serie A a huge boost by claiming a 1-0 victory over Udinese this afternoon.

Gregoire Defrel had the first chance of the match with a low strike from the edge of the box that proved comfortable for Orestis Karnezis.

The striker came close again at the end of the half with another effort that was saved by the keeper.

After the break, Milan Djuric and Allan fired over the bar as both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances.

However, with 14 minutes left to play, Cesena made the breakthrough as Alejandro Rodriguez powered in a header from Franco Brienza's cross.

Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu almost salvaged a point for Udinese late on, but his strike was kept out by Nicola Leali as Cesena held on to secure a vital three points.