Catania defender Gennaro Sardo admits the criticism of his form this season has hurt.

"I must grow physically so that I can prove my ability," Sardo admitted. "But I don't understand the excessive criticism aimed at me.

"Now we are playing a derby, which is something special for me and I feel it in my veins.

"It's a unique feeling that I didn't even have when I played in the Campania derbies in the past."