[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 17 - 20/12/06 (19.30 UK)
Empoli 1 - 0 Siena
Marianini 47 (E)
Stadio Castellani

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Marianini's first ever Serie A goal gave Empoli a much-needed boost.

The Tuscan derby saw two teams in middling form face off at the Castellani, but Empoli were rested after their Sunday afternoon game at Catania was rained off. Andrea Raggi was suspended, while Siena missed Coach Mario Beretta due to his red card against Atalanta. Former Empoli star Francesco Tavano was in the stands, as he's due to complete a loan move to Roma from Valencia next month.

The home side had the better of the first half and Sergio Almiron's trademark screamer shook the frame of the goal with Alex Manninger beaten.

Empoli went close when Igli Vannucchi pulled the ball back across the face of goal for a desperate clearance before Mirco Gasparetto could pounce.

Manninger performed a stunning reaction save on Antonio Busce's header, but at the other end Mario Frick fired Enrico Chiesa's assist straight at Daniele Balli's legs.

Empoli broke the deadlock moments after the restart. Vannucchi's free kick was touched on by Busce' with Marianini and Vittorio Tosto piling in to push it over the line. The goal was attributed to Marianini, who may have been offside.

Gasparetto was unfortunate not to make it 2-0 with his fantastic solo effort, dribbling past a series of players and lobbing over the bar.

Tomas Locatelli had a good chance to equalise at the death, only to fire wide with his weaker right foot.


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Empoli: Balli; Lucchini, Adani (Vanigli 85), Pratali, Tosto (Marzoratti 63); Marianini, Almiron; Busce', Vannucchi, Moro; Gasparetto

Siena: Manninger; Negro (Brevi 89), Gastaldello, Rinaudo, Molinaro (Melchiorri 91); Vergassola, Codrea (Konko 75), Antonini; Locatelli; Chiesa, Frick

Ref: Romeo

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...7/emp-sie.html