Lecce defender Luca Ceccarelli is delighted with his first season in Serie A.

Ceccarelli is happy with his first campaign in the top flight.

"Playing in Serie A is a dream after a 20-year absence, for me it's even more satisfying because I started in Serie C," the 28-year-old told ESPN.

"Also I was born in Cesena, so that makes me even prouder. When we stepped on to the pitch for the first time this season against Roma I saw all these star players and I said to myself 'this is it, hold your head up high and give it your best'."

Ceccarelli and his Cesena teammates are fighting for survival in Serie A.

"We have some very good players but our strength is our togetherness, so if we all stick together and give 100 per cent we can stay up.

"I wasn't very consistent for a few years but I've got better and now I can say that I am an important player for Cesena.

"The worst moment was losing the derby against Bologna at home, the fans were really excited about that game and so were we."