[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 20 - 20/1/07 (19.30 UK)
Reggina - Palermo

Stadio Granillo

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These two sides provided a classic on the opening day of the season and there could be fireworks again as Palermo visit the Stadio Granillo to take on Reggina.

Reggina are fighting hard in the face of adversity. The Reggio Calabria outfit looked doomed to relegation when they were handed an 11-point Calciopoli handicap, but they have clawed their way back to 18th and are growing in confidence.

Walter Mazzarri claimed he couldn’t understand how his side lost 3-1 to Milan last weekend and on another day the Amaranto certainly could’ve claimed a point. However, despite the positive atmosphere at the Stadio Granillo, Mazzarri knows that if his side don’t convert good performances into points they won’t stay afloat as Messina are four points away in the first position above the drop zone.

It seems there is life without Amauri for Palermo. The Rosanero had looked lost without their prolific Brazilian marksman, but things are looking up after Andrea Caracciolo ended a nine-month goal drought last weekend in a 2-0 win over Udinese. A fairytale start to the campaign has left the Sicilians with a 12-point lead over fourth-placed Catania and makes Francesco Guidolin’s side strong favourites to claim a Champions League spot. All the Coach can ask of his men is to try and start the second half of the season as they did the first.

Palermo ran out 4-3 winners at the Stadio Renzo Barbera on the first day of the season in an ill-tempered clash that saw 10 yellow cards, one dismissal and a penalty for each side. There may well be some unfinished business between the two teams.

Mazzarri has the luxury of a full squad at his disposal including four ex-Palermo men in his probable starting XI – Maurizio Lanzaro, Alessandro Lucarelli, Francesco Modesto and Giacomo Tedesco.

Palermo have a slight defensive shortage as they travel to the mainland with Giuseppe Biava, Cesare Bovo and Ciro Capuano all injured. Ex-Reggina midfielder Aimo Diana will probably have to settle for a place on the bench as Roberto Guana continues to impress. Key striker Amauri is a long-term absentee.

Man on fire: Giacomo Tedesco (Reggina) – The Palermo-born midfielder shone at the San Siro last weekend. He gave the Milan midfield a real headache and can count himself unlucky that he didn’t find the net.

Last season: Reggina 2-2 Palermo

Form guide: Reggina (W L L W L) Palermo (W L W D W )

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Reggina (probable): Pelizzoli; Lanzaro, Aronica, Lucarelli; Mesto, Tognozzi, Tedesco, Modesto, Amerini; Amoruso, Bianchi

Palermo (probable): Fontana; Cassani, Zaccardo, Barzagli, Pisano; Guana, Corini, Simplicio; Bresciano, Di Michele, Caracciolo

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