[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 24 - 18/2/07 (14.00 UK)

Livorno - Messina
Stadio Picchi

Livorno and Messina are all set for a vital clash at the Stadio Armando Picchi, with both sides hoping to finally end their lengthy winless streaks. You’d be hard pressed to find two clubs in Europe struggling more than this duo, with Messina having won just once in 14 matches and Livorno picking up three points on only one occasion in their last 12 games.

Things came to a head last weekend for the Sicilian boys as their early season good form was well and truly erased when Reggina beat Torino to leave the Giallorossi languishing in the relegation zone. Their poor form has coincided with the loss of top scorer Christian Rigano, whose nine goals earlier this term were so pivotal in getting Messina off to a great start.

Alberto Cavasin remains without the Fiorentina man, but he also has a few suspension issues to contend with. Luigi Lavecchia and Salvatore Masiello are both enforced absentees after falling foul of the law, with Mark Iuliano replacing the former and Ivica Iliev stepping into the latter’s boots. Angelo Rea is also tipped to be dropped in favour of Edgar Alvarez, while Ibrahima Bakayoko will start against the side which sold him in January.

Livorno boss Daniele Arrigoni continues to battle against the extreme pressure from chief Aldo Spinelli, but he appears to be safe for now after the fiery President allowed him to make a few January additions. One such signing was former Italy international Stefano Fiore, who arrived from Torino. The creative midfielder made his bow against Milan and is tipped to start once again, playing just off Cristiano Lucarelli.

Indeed, it is likely that Arrigoni will stick with the same side which battled valiantly against the Rossoneri in a 2-1 defeat. Marco Amelia should be fit enough to take his place between the sticks despite appearing to be hampered by an injury for Marek Jankulovski’s winning goal, while Aparecido Cesar should play again after making his debut alongside Fiore. It remains to be seen if he can inspire his side to a first win since the middle of November.

Man on fire: Cristiano Lucarelli (Livorno) – Scored a typical goal against Milan and will need to continue recreating his 2004-05 form if the Amaranto are to save their season.

Last season: Livorno 2-2 Messina

Form guide: Livorno (D L D L L) Messina (L D L L D)

Livorno (probable): Amelia; Grandoni, Kuffour, Galante, Pasquale; Filippini, Morrone, Passoni, Cesar; Fiore; Lucarelli

Messina (probable): Caglioni; Zoro, Zanchi, Iuliano; Parisi, Alvarez, Pestrin, D’Aversa, Candela; Iliev, Bakayoko

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