[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 36 - 13/5/07 (14.00 UK)
Siena - Empoli

Stadio Franchi

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Siena will be desperate for points when they host Empoli at the Stadio Artemio Franchi after being thrust into the deep end of the relegation battle. The visitors, meanwhile, will know they can’t relax if they are to secure a place in Europe for next season.

The Bianconeri dropped into the relegation zone after last week’s defeat to Atalanta and will be eager to claw their way back out as soon as possible. With just three games left of the season even the one-point margin between the Robur and safety can start to seem daunting, especially with all three remaining matches throwing up opponents chasing Europe in the higher reaches of the table. Coach Mario Beretta knows a defeat here could well spell the end of Siena’s time in the top flight – not to mention his own.

Beretta will have to make do without veteran defender Paolo Negro and January arrival Massimo Maccarone due to injury, although the latter could make the bench if he passes a late fitness test. However, of more concern will be Siena’s large number of suspensions. Valerio Bertotto and Alberto are both banned after seeing red against Atalanta, while Luca Antonini and Daniele Corvia have also picked up suspensions. That means on-loan duo Daniele Gastaldello and Daniele Galloppa should have a chance to impress, while Enrico Chiesa and Mario Frick look set to renew their attacking partnership.

Empoli have problems of their own to deal with though. The suspensions to midfield pair Sergio Almiron and Davide Moro will be an especially big loss, as replacements Francesco Marianini and Fabrizio Ficini are still unproven at this level. Injuries to defenders Stefano Lucchini and Francesco Pratali will also be worrying Coach Luigi Cagni, but the likes of the experienced Vittorio Tosto and Azzurrini international Lino Marzoratti should provide adequate cover. Similarly, Davide Matteini is expected to slot in to replace injured striker Nicola Pozzi without too much disruption.

The Azzurri’s form has stuttered of late, but they are still firm favourites to secure a historic qualification for next season’s UEFA Cup. However, despite the disappointing draws with relegation candidates Cagliari and Torino recently, Empoli will still harbour dreams of an even more shocking entrance into the Champions League, no matter how improbable that task my be. But Cagni will also be aware that miracles can work both ways and that if they lose their focus at this late stage they could still find themselves dumped out of Europe. There is unlikely to be any let-up from a side that has embodied the hard-work ethic for so much of their campaign, but Siena will be hoping that Empoli’s relative security in fifth place could see them ease off a little.

Man on fire: Simone Vergassola (Siena) – While those around him start to lose their heads, the ever-present veteran has driven the Bianconeri forward from midfield and if Siena avoid relegation this term it will be largely down to his contribution.

Last season: Siena 1-0 Empoli

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

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Siena (probable): Manninger; Gastaldello, Portanova, Rinaudo, Molinaro; Konko, Brevi, Vergassola, Galloppa; Chiesa, Frick

Empoli (probable): Bassi; Raggi, Vanigli, Marzoratti, Tosto; Marianini, Ficini; Busce, Vannucchi, Matteini; Saudati

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