[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 25 - 25/2/07 (14.00 UK)

Livorno - Ascoli
Stadio Picchi

After finally ending their lengthy winless streak, Livorno will be looking to keep the winning feeling going when they welcome Ascoli to the Stadio Armando Picchi. The Amaranto went 10 games without picking up three points, but a 2-1 success over Messina allowed them to push closer to the European places than the drop zone.

Things have certainly been tough for Coach Daniele Arrigoni in recent months, with his job coming under intense scrutiny on numerous occasions this term. Indeed, he was actually sacked by President Aldo Spinelli last month before player power won him a reprieve – although quite how long that will last is anyone’s guess.

A firm believer in the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ school of thought, the former Cagliari boss looks set to name an unchanged side for their second consecutive home match. That means another run-out for new signing Stefano Fiore, who will once again be playing just behind Cristiano Lucarelli as the lone striker. The 2004-05 Capocannoniere has been in fine form since Fiore’s arrival from Torino.

Despite picking up four points from their last three matches, Ascoli’s situation is still desperate. The Bianconeri remain rooted to the foot of the Division and are six points adrift of safety. However, with Michele Paolucci and new signing Andrea Soncin starting to find the back of the net, there is at least some hope for Nedo Sonetti’s side to escape – even if only Parma have been more toothless this term.

Although there is no room for Paolucci in the starting XI, Soncin’s brace against Udinese last weekend is enough to ensure he retains his spot playing just behind Sasa Bjelanovic. But there are several changes made to the starting XI.

Matteo Melara, banned for the clash against the Friuliani, returns to the side in place of Riccardo Corallo at the back, while Gaetano Vastolo is set to be picked at right-back ahead of Paolo Foglio. The only change enforced upon Sonetti came as a result of Gaetano Fontana’s injury in the last game. On that occasion he was replaced by Ukrainian midfielder Viktor Boudianski, and the Eastern European youngster looks set to get the nod again.

Despite the torrid form of both sides since the turn of the year, Livorno have still only lost once on home turf this year. The fact that no fans are likely to be present does take the edge off their advantage somewhat, but it’s hard to look past the Amaranto netting a second straight win in their hunt for European football.

Man on fire: Andrea Soncin (Ascoli) – The journeyman striker has made an instant impact at his new club with a fine brace against Udinese.

Last season: Livorno 2-0 Ascoli

Form guide: Livorno (L D L L W) Ascoli (L L W L D)

Livorno (probable): Amelia; Grandoni, Galante, Rezaei, Pasquale; Balleri, Passoni, Morrone, A Filippini; Fiore; Lucarelli

Ascoli (probable): Pagliuca; Vastola, Melara, Nastase, Minieri; Zanetti, Boudianski, Pesce; Soncin, Fini; Bjelanovic

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