[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 17 - 20/12/06 (19.30 UK)
Empoli - Siena

Stadio Franchi

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The Carlo Castellini Stadium will host a real mid-table tussle on Wednesday as Empoli will be receiving Siena in this all Tuscan affair. These two sides find themselves in a very congested portion of the table. One slip or one big win could mean real European football ambitions or an irresistible urge to look over one’s shoulder and keep one eye on the relegation zone for the rest of the term.

Empoli were expecting a somewhat unpredictable game in Sicily against Catania on Sunday and unpredictable is exactly what they got. The pitch was so waterlogged after a downpour that the game had to be postponed due to the impracticability of the playing surface. Because of the imminence of the Christmas break the game has yet to be re-scheduled. In effect this leaves the Tuscans a game which in Italy is quite an odd occurrence. Their last game was a 3-0 defeat against Inter. A score-line which was very heavy and it took the Italian champions an hour to break their impressive opponents down.

Empoli Coach Luigi Cagni will know that his right-back Andre Raggi still has to serve his suspension, Lino Marzoratti may replace him while Vittorio Tosto could also come in at left-back. In a midfield which should be no different to the one that held up Inter for so long, Antonio Busce’ and Sergio Almiron will be asked to close down the Siena midfield, while Ighli Vannucchi will be charged with supporting lone striker Luca Saudati.

The away side will be looking for their first win over a month. Recently they have got only two draws and a series of defeats. On Sunday they got a 1-1 draw against Atalanta – it took an 88th minute goal by Mario Frick to give the Bianconeri a point. Daniele Portanova added to the drama by getting himself sent off deep into injury time.

Bianconeri boss Mario Beretta will certainly have to take the red card into account when picking his team for Wednesday, and that may well be the only change he makes. It looks as though Ezio Brevi will cover in central defence. The Coach was obviously pleased with his side’s performance last time out and will once again be leaving the scoring to the impressive partnership formed by Frick and Erjon Bogdani, hoping they will carry his team higher up the League.

Man on fire: Mario Frick (Siena) – The man from Lichtenstein scored his sixth of the season on Sunday and seems to be back in gear after a short dry spell. A striker who can pull his side out of trouble as he did is absolutely invaluable.

Last season: Empoli 2-1 Siena

Form guide: Empoli (W D W L L) Siena (L D L D D)


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Empoli (probable): Balli; Marzoratti, Adani, Pratali, Tosto; Marianini, Almiron, Moro, Buscè, Vannucchi; Saudati

Siena (probable): Manninger; Negro, Brevi, Rinaudo, Rossi; Antonini, Codrea, Vergassola, Candela; Frick, Bogdani

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