[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 26 - 28/2/07 (14.00 UK)

Siena - Livorno
Stadio Franchi

Week 26 offers an interesting Tuscan derby when Siena and Livorno meet at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Both outfits are sitting just above the relegation zone and a defeat could make their campaign much more problematic.

On Sunday, the Bianconeri were defeated 1-0 by Messina while the Amaranto were stopped 0-0 by Ascoli at the Stadio Armando Picchi. Siena, with 25 points, are just two places behind Livorno and a victory would see them overtaking their rivals. Last year’s tie ended with a boring goalless draw.

Siena boss Mario Beretta was highly disappointed with the weekend’s result after Messina scored during injury time. Beretta’s men didn’t deserve to be defeated, but they will have an opportunity to archive that loss against the Amaranto.

Beretta will reconfirm a 4-3-1-2 formation. In defence, youngster Leandro Rinaudo will still be out with a twisted ankle and Daniele Portanova should take his place. Former Reggina star Francesco Cozza will play as a trequartista behind Liechtenstein bomber Mario Frick and former Middlesbrough ace Massimo Maccarone. Enrico Chiesa won’t be available due to chickenpox.

Livorno Coach Daniele Arrigoni wasn’t happy with the draw against Ascoli in Week 25, but admitted that his men played well and were unlucky. Siena have shown they are a very solid side when playing at home and Arrigoni is well aware of their threat.

However, there shouldn’t be any major surprises in the starting XI. Ghanaian defender Sami Kuffour should step back in after being out due to flu. Tireless midfielder Stefano Morrone is also likely to start, while Carmine Coppola may sit on the bench. Former Torino ace Stefano Fiore will play just behind lone striker Cristiano Lucarelli.

Man on fire: Stefano Fiore (Livorno) – This 31-year-old attacking midfielder is performing incredibly well with the Amaranto. Someone in Torino is probably wondering why the former Valencia and Fiorentina ace wasn’t able to establish himself with the Granata…

Last season: Siena 0-0 Livorno

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

Siena (probable): Manninger; Bertotto, Gastaldello, Portanova, Molinaro; Antonini, Codrea, Vergassola; Cozza; Maccarone, Corvia

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

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