[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 27 - 4/3/07 (14.00 UK)

Catania - Siena
Stadio Romeo Neri, Rimini

Two of Serie A’s most out of form sides will clash in an empty Stadio Neri in Rimini this weekend, as Catania welcome Siena to their neutral venue. The Elefanti’s last game there ended in a 1-0 defeat to Fiorentina, so they will be hoping for a better result against another Tuscan outfit.

The signs aren’t good for Pasquale Marino’s side though. Their last win came in the rearranged clash with Empoli towards the end of January, while their only point in the last five was against Serie A strugglers and fellow Sicilian outfit Messina. As a result, their grip on fourth place has well and truly been relinquished. They now sit in mid-table, with just an 11-point gap separating them from the relegation zone.

Things aren’t going much better for Siena, who can boast just two points from their last five matches. They find themselves in their usual battle against Serie B at this time of year, only they are unable to count on regular saviour Enrico Chiesa at the moment as he is currently suffering from chickenpox! Not that it would have made much difference though – the 36-year-old hasn’t found the target in 15 top-flight matches this term.

The Bianconeri’s early season goal threat came from Mario Frick, but the Liechtenstein ace has been out of touch recently. His place in the side is likely to be under threat after the disappointing showing against Livorno, with Daniele Corvia poised to step in. The youngster does have just the one Serie A goal to his name during his short career, however. Mario Beretta’s only other change looks set to come in defence, as Leandro Rinaudo is expected to replace Daniele Gastaldello.

Beretta’s opposite number won’t be there to greet him before the match, as Marino will be serving a touchline ban after receiving his marching orders against Lazio. He’s not alone though. Top scorer Gionatha Spinesi, who seems to be on a mission to accumulate as many red cards as he has goals, is still banned after he received his marching orders at the weekend against Inter. The vastly experienced Andrea Sottil will also be absent through suspension, with his place at the back going to Mauro Minelli.

Man on fire: Francesco Cozza (Siena) – Looked the most likely player to help Siena out of their slump against Livorno, but his personal duel with Marco Amelia was won by the custodian.

Last season: Not played

Form guide: Catania (L D L L L) Siena (L D L L D)

Catania (probable): Pantanelli; Lucenti, Minelli, Stovini, Vargas; Baiocco, Edusei, Caserta; Colucci, Corona, Mascara

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

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