Palermo defender Moris Carrozieri insists he is "ready to face the consequences" of his positive drug test.

Carrozieri, who tested positive for cocaine after Palermo's 1-0 home win over Torino on April 5, will be missing from the squad for tomorrow's home game against Cagliari.

The 28-year-old centre back is set to face a lengthy ban from football after admitting this week to having taken the ban substance.

"I am really sorry for the mistake I have made," said Carrozieri.

"I apologise to club president Maurizio Zamparini, my teammates and Palermo fans.

"I have dedicated my life to sport and through hard work I have been able to realise my dream of playing in Serie A.

"I live for football and I can't find the right words to express my huge disappointment for having stupidly put all that I worked for in jeopardy. I can't explain how I could have made such a mistake.

"I am ready to face the consequences for my stupid conduct. I will take part in initiatives that can help others avoid making the same mistake I've made."

Carrozieri missed last weekend's 3-0 defeat at AC Milan, a result that left Palermo level on 49 points with tomorrow's opponents.

Davide Ballardini's side will fancy their chances for they have taken 36 of their 49 points in Sicily.

Moreover, they have won their last three games at La Favorita.

"We are a team that plays much better at home than on the road," said Palermo midfielder Fabio Simplicio.

"In our away games, we lack the aggression needed to get a result, something which we have at home.

"On Sunday, the support of our fans will be crucial for what it is for us the game of the year."

Both teams know the importance of this weekend's encounter for their European ambitions, as they Roma, who hold the last European qualifying spot, by three points.

"It's a head-to-head encounter," said Cagliari coach Massimiliano Allegri. "Although I still find it difficult to believe that we are playing against Palermo for a place in Europe."

The Sardinians continue to punch above their weight in the top flight, but a place in Europe does not look beyond them.

"We will have to give all we've got in our five remaining games," he said."But the next two games against Palermo and Roma we will be able to determine our future."

A future that will see Allegri remain at the club, despite ongoing speculation linking him with a move to AC Milan.

The Cagliari tactician announced after last weekend's 3-3 draw at Sampdoria that he will continue to guide the Sardinian outfit next season.

"I have a contract until June 2011 and I will respect it," he said."I am happy at Cagliari."

Cagliari will be keen to remind Palermo of their last meeting, when a Michele Fini goal handed the Sardinians all three points.

The Rossoblu will be without suspended captain Diego Lopez, while Palermo will have to overcome the absence of Cesare Bovo, who serves a one-match ban.