Suspended & Injury List
Ascoli: Bjelanovic, Di Biagio, Fini, Nastase, Foglio, Delvecchio, Pagliuca
Palermo: Amauri, Diana, Cavani
Catania: Colucci, Morimoto, Biagianti
AC Milan: Ronaldo (injured), Kaka, Gattuso, Jankulovski (all may be rested)
Fiorentina: Ujfalusi, Donadel, Santana, Luca Toni (doubtful)
Cagliari: Esposito, Langella
Inter: Cordoba (suspended), Samuel, Ibrahimovic, Maicon
Lazio: Mauri
Livorno: Amelia
Sampdoria: Bonazzoli, Terlizzi
Parma: Cardone, Bolano, Kutuzov
Messina: no injuries to report
Reggina: Mazzarri (suspended), Tognossi, Giosa, Mesto
Chievo: Mantovani (suspended), D’Anna, Cozzolino, Moro, Scurto, Cossato
Roma: Vucinic, Virga, Martinez, Chivu, Taddei, Pizarro
Torino: Pancaro, Bovo
Siena: Antonioni (suspended), Corvia (suspended), Bertotto (suspended), Alberto (suspended), Locatelli, Maccarone
Empoli: Almiron (suspended), Moro (suspended), Lucchini, Pozzi, Pratali (doubtful)
Udinese: Di Natale (suspended), Coda (suspended), Pinzi (suspended), Lukovic (suspended), Iaquinta (suspended), Obodo, Felipe, Zenoni
Atalanta: Rivalta (suspended), Doni, Defendi
source : channel4.com
Serie A Week 36 - 13/5/07 (14.00 UK)
Source from:channel4.com
Ascoli - Palermo
Stadio Del Duca
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Palermo visit Ascoli at the Stadio Cino e Lillo Del Duca in Week 36 hoping to secure their UEFA Cup position. While the Bianconeri are already relegated, the Sicilians need a few more points to qualify for Europe.
In last week’s round Ascoli were defeated 1-0 by Torino and the Rosanero lost 2-1 against Roma on their own soil. Palermo are in sixth place with 52 points, one behind Empoli and the Sicilian outfit will be looking to make a late overtaking manoeuvre on the Tuscans.
Ascoli are bottom with 20 points and have the second worst Serie A defence and attack. In Week 17 when the two teams played at the Stadio Renzo Barbera, Ascoli were hammered 4-0.
Coach Nedo Sonetti, who has done quite well with Ascoli despite the relegation, has been reconfirmed by President Roberto Benigni and he is already planning the next Serie B campaign.
Ascoli will play with a 4-4-2 formation instead of their usual 3-4-1-2. The injury list is so long that Sasa Bjelanovic, Luigi Di Biagio, Michele Fini, Valentin Nastase, Andrea Foglio and Marco Delvecchio are not available.
In front of Greek goalkeeper Dimitrios Eleftheropoulos, Matteo Melara and Riccardo Corallo should be the central defenders. Domenico Giampà will cover the right flank, with Simone Pesce on the opposite side. Andrea Soncin and Michele Paolucci will form the attacking duo.
Palermo boss Renzo Gobbo is set to use a 4-3-2-1 formation. Palermo will be without Aimo Diana and Edison Cavani, who were both injured against Roma last week. Federico Agliardi is slightly advantaged over Alberto Fontana to get the gloves. Mattia Cassani will return on the right, with Cristian Zaccardo moving to the centre. Captain Eugenio Corini is likely to start from the first minute next to Fabio Simplicio and Roberto Guana. Up front, behind lone striker Andrea Caracciolo, David Di Michele and Mark Bresciano should play.
Man on fire: Andrea Caracciolo (Palermo) – L’Airone has had a disappointing season with the Sicilians after scoring only three goals in 24 games. This match could be a good chance for him to attract any potential buyers.
Last season: Ascoli 1-1 Palermo
Form guide: Ascoli (D L L D L) Palermo (L D L W L)
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Ascoli (probable): Eleftheropoulos; Vastola, Corallo, Melara, Lombardi; Giampà, P.Zanetti, Boudianski, Pesce; Soncin, Paolucci
Palermo (probable): Agliardi; Cassani, Zaccardo, Barzagli, Pisano; Simplicio, Corini, Guana; Bresciano, Di Michele; Caracciolo
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Serie A Week 36 - 13/5/07 (14.00 UK)
Catania - Milan
Stadio Dall'Ara, Bologna
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Catania go into Week 36 in the knowledge that three points will probably be enough to ensure their Serie A safety and will do all they can to get them against Milan at the Stadio Dall’Ara. And with the Rossoneri already having one eye on the Champions League Final against Liverpool, the Sicilians may have a great chance.
Catania have had a bit of a struggle getting out of the relegation zone recently while Milan have been enjoying a good run of results. In Week 35 the Rossazzuri were defeated by Empoli 2-1 but deserved at least a point. Milan were stopped by Fiorentina at 0-0, but missed a penalty and had a decent display.
The Islanders are ninth from bottom, but three points away from Siena which means they are not safe yet. The Milanese giants are fourth and very close to qualifying for the Champions League.
Coach Pasquale Marino is set to reconfirm a 4-3-3 formation. Andrea Sottil will play centrally in defence while Peruvian man Jorge Vargas will cover the left. Fabio Caserta will probably be available for the game and should play next to Mark Edusei and Davide Baiocco. Argentine youngster Mariano Izco will form the trident with Gionatha Spinesi and Giuseppe Mascara.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti is happy with his team and will give a chance to several players who have been out during this season. Once again, Marcos Cafu and Giuseppe Favalli should be preferred to Massimo Oddo and Marek Jankulovski.
Former Rangers ace Gennaro Gattuso may start from the bench, which means Yoann Gourcuff will be included in the starting XI. Catania will be desperate for the points, so Ancelotti may decide not to risk Kaka. Ricardo Oliveira and Clarence Seedorf should then play behind Filippo Inzaghi. Ronaldo is still out injured.
Man on fire: Giuseppe Mascara (Catania) – ‘Topolinick’ must contribute to his club’s survival hopes. His teammate Gionatha Spinesi is doing a lot on his own, but Catania need Mascara’s input.
Last season: Not played
Form guide: Catania (L D W D L) Milan (W W W W D)
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Catania (probable): Pantanelli; Silvestri, Sottil, Stovini, Vargas; Baiocco, Edusei, Caserta; Izco, Spinesi, Mascara
Milan (probable): Dida; Cafu, Nesta, Kaladze, Favalli; Ambrosini, Brocchi, Gourcuff; Seedorf, Oliveira; F.Inzaghi
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Serie A Week 36 - 13/5/07 (14.00 UK)
Fiorentina - Cagliari
Stadio Franchi
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With European football virtually in the bag, Fiorentina welcome relegation-threatened Cagliari to the Stadio Artemio Franchi looking to put a dent in their survival hopes. Despite winning at the weekend, the Rossoblu are only three points clear of the drop zone with as many games left to play.
The victory, 2-1 over an Udinese side lacking in discipline, couldn’t have come at a more crucial time for Coach Marco Giampaolo, whose side had lost three on the bounce heading into the game. But he’ll need his boys to step it up another level against the Viola and they’ll certainly need their scoring boots on if they are to get past Sebastien Frey, whose recent form has been excellent. The Sardinian faithful shouldn’t hold out too much hope for a goal fest though – only Torino and Siena have scored less goals this term.
Despite picking up three points on Sunday, Giampaolo is set to ring the changes as he welcomes back several key players. Cristiano Del Grosso saw his former side Ascoli relegated at the weekend and he will be hoping to help his current team avoid a similar fate as he comes into the side in place of Michele Canini. Davide Marchini was decisive against Udinese, but looks set to be replaced by Alessandro Conticchio, while Alessandro Budel is also likely to miss out due to Daniele Conti returning from suspension.
Antonio D’Agostino came on as a second half substitute in place of Alessandro Agostini at the weekend and the attacking edge he gave the side is likely to be on display from the offset. And as if that wasn’t a long enough list of changes, Simone Pepe’s disappointing form means that Andrea Capone will be handed another chance to shine alongside David Suazo after his Week 35 winner. There’s still no place for Antonio Langella, who has been dropped from the side in recent weeks. It wasn’t that long ago that the 30-year-old was pulling on the Azzurri shirt…
After scraping a draw against Milan, thanks largely to some fortuitous officiating and a missed penalty by Kaka, Fiorentina boss Cesare Prandelli looks set to stick largely with the same starting XI. The one expected change is likely to come in defence, with Dario Dainelli stepping in for former Everton and Udinese defender Per Kroldrup. That means that Luca Toni remains on the sidelines. The official reason relates to an ankle complaint, but it is thought that Giampaolo Pazzini is being handed an extended run in light of the No 30’s expected move away from Florence in the summer.
Man on fire: Sebastien Frey (Fiorentina) – The French custodian’s form all term has been stunning and he has been keeping clean sheets for fun of late.
Last season: Fiorentina 2-1 Cagliari
Form guide: Fiorentina (W L W W D) Cagliari (D L L L W)
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Fiorentina (probable): Frey; Jorgensen, Gamberini, Dainelli, Pasqual; Pazienza, Liverani, Montolivo; Reginaldo, Pazzini, Mutu
Cagliari (probable): Chimenti; Pisano, Lopez, Bianco, Del Grosso; Conticchio, Colucci, Conti, D'Agostino; Capone, Suazo
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Serie A Week 36 - 13/5/07 (14.00 UK)
Inter - Lazio
Stadio Meazza
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It is solely pride driving on Inter over the final three weeks. The tally of 99 points is the target for Roberto Mancini’s troops over the next three Sundays and after the crushing humiliation of having their title party gatecrashed by Roma, they will be in no mood to let the light blue side of the Eternal City complete a double.
Lazio need the points to seal their place in the Champions League next season, although the urgency is reduced somewhat as their position will be guaranteed as long as Empoli fail to take all three points from their trip to relegation threatened Siena. However, mere qualification will not be the objective Delio Rossi has in mind. With Milan just one point behind the possibility of being nudged into fourth place and requiring an extra qualifying round will be the motive for a full-blooded Aquilotti outburst at the San Siro.
There will be mixed emotions for the blue and black fans. On the one hand there is still a bitter remembrance of the 2002 match against Lazio which ended their title dreams. Yet on the other side of the coin a win over Lazio will aid Milan in their bid to secure third place and avoid the early European start. There is also the added spice of Mancini and Sinisa Mihajlovic facing their former employers from the comfort of the Inter panchina.
Earlier in the season a 2-0 win at the Stadio Olimpico helped the champions along on their 17-match winning run. That triumph was their tenth on the trot and ended a decade without a win at the home of their opponents. The last win prior to their Week 17 glory had been back in March 1996. Goals from Esteban Cambiasso and Marco Materazzi settled the outcome.
Last March Inter came away with a 3-1 win from this encounter. Goals from Luis Figo and Alvaro Recoba, two players expected to be finishing their adventure with the Serpenti this summer, settled the encounter – the Uruguayan misfit bagging a rare double. Macedonian striker Goran Pandev got the Biancocelesti’s consolation but the Nerazzurri ultimately ended another hoodoo by scoring their first win over the Roman outfit for 13 years and they will be looking to make sure the result is like a London bus – you wait over a decade for a home win over Lazio and then two come at once.
Stefano Mauri is missing for Lazio but Angelo Peruzzi is back after Rossi declared his first choice will return for the run-in, usurping 43-year-old veteran Marco Ballotta. Meanwhile, Gabriel Mudingayi has taken the place of Christian Manfredini in midfield. Inter are without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Douglas Maicon and Walter Samuel through injury and Ivan Cordoba is suspended. Julio Cesar comes back into goal after missing last week’s match with Livorno. Maxwell and Materazzi take the places of Cordoba and Fabio Grosso in defence while Mariano Gonzalez, Santiago Solari and Recoba make way for Cambiasso, Luis Figo and Hernan Crespo.
Man on fire: Luis Jimenez (Lazio) – More of a smouldering man, with Inter having taken their foot off the gas, Lazio’s Chilean takes the in-form biscuit for hitting two of his side’s last three goals – even if they were five weeks apart.
Last season: Inter 3-1 Lazio
Form guide: Inter (D L W W W) Lazio (D D L D W)
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Inter (probable): Julio Cesar; Maxwell, Materazzi, Andreolli, Burdisso; Zanetti, Cambiasso, Dacourt; Figo; Crespo, Adriano
Lazio (probable): Peruzzi; Zauri, Cribari, Siviglia, Behrami; Mudingayi, Ledesma, Mutarelli; Jimenez; Rocchi, Pandev
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Serie A Week 36 - 13/5/07 (14.00 UK)
Livorno - Sampdoria
Stadio Picchi
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Sampdoria are the guests at the Armando Picchi this weekend. Livorno may be in 13th in the League, a position which in other seasons would have meant safety, but it is not so this year and the Amaranto must be prudent.
They lost their third game in a row last time out and now find themselves in a perilous position with just three games left. Opponents Lazio had their Champions League ambitions to play for and they simply overwhelmed the home team even if they only netted a 1-0 win.
Livorno Coach Fernando Orsi looks like going for a 4-4-1-1 formation in an attempt to stop the leakage of goals, while simultaneously getting some support in place for the often isolated Cristiano Lucarelli.
Changes seem likely but only in midfield, with Luis Vidigal and Paulo Paulinho the probable losers. In their place could be Dario Passoni and Rodriguez Cesar, who came on as a substitute last match and impressed many. For all that, the most crucial job will surely fall to Stefano Fiore, who with one great pass or cross could give Lucarelli his 100th goal for the club.
Sampdoria could only manage a goalless draw with Reggina at home in their last game. It was a vital point for the southerners, but a wasted opportunity for the Blucerchiati. They might have to content themselves with being one of the few teams that are neither in danger of relegation nor likely to qualify for Europe and in that respect, they are part of a very selected and ‘privileged’ few.
Coach Walter Novellino seems to enjoy watching his side play with a simple 4-4-2, but there could be a few changes to the side that perhaps should have won that last home game. Cristian Zenoni may come in at right-back with Christian Maggio moving into midfield in place of Vladimir Koman. Daniele Franceschini could also come back into midfield, after playing up front last match, where he may take Andrea Parola’s place. Fabio Quagliarella and Fabio Bazzani are tipped to start in attack.
Man on fire: Rodriguez Cesar (Livorno) – The Brazilian wide man was the only one left fighting last game. He is full of running and ideas, a real bonus for his side.
Last season: Livorno 0-0 Sampdoria
Form guide: Livorno (D W L L L) Sampdoria (L L W W D)
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Livorno (probable): Manitta; Grandoni, Knezevic, Galante, Pasquale; Filippini, Passoni, Morrone, Cesar, Fiore; Lucarelli
Sampdoria (probable): Castellazzi; C Zenoni, Accardi, Falcone, Pieri; Maggio, Palombo, G Delvecchio, D Franceschini; Quagliarella, Bazzani
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Serie A Week 36 - 13/5/07 (14.00 UK)
Parma - Messina
Stadio Tardini
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Messina visit the Ennio Tardini this weekend to take on Parma. Although the first are already relegated, the latter are still fighting hard. It is long trip for the Sicilians to make when you consider they can do nothing about their own future, but they might still want to take Parma down with them – and now they are potentially more dangerous, since they have nothing to lose.
Last time out the home side suffered what was a shock defeat in the circumstances. Before their crunch match with Chievo Verona they had won three and were looking in good shape for survival. Sergio Pellissier scored in the fifth minute, however, and Parma could not find a response. That defeat plunged them back into the danger zone just one point clear of Siena, but a win here could amazingly lift them as high as 11th.
Parma must get points, therefore they must attack. A 4-3-3 seems to be the way Coach Claudio Ranieri likes to try and get goals, and he does not look like making a single change to the side that lost that vital game in Verona. Giuseppe Rossi, Zlatan Muslimovic and Igor Budan will be the ones with the most responsibility, those three are charged with scoring the goals.
The away side were mathematically assured of Serie B after a defeat at the hands of the champions in the last match. A Hernan Crespo strikes sealed their drop, however they can still have a vast influence on the fate of the sides left around them.
Coach Bruno Bolchi looks like going with a 4-5-1 set-up in order to win the midfield battle and cut off the service to his opponent’s front men. Vincent Candela could return at right-back in place of Andrea Giallombardo. Christian Riganò will lead the line.
Man on fire: Daniele Dessena (Parma) – The young midfielder has come on in leaps and bounds this year and is finishing well, covering cleverly and learning some killer passes.
Last season: Parma 1-1 Messina
Form guide: Parma (D W W W L) Messina (L L L D L)
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Parma (probable): Bucci; Coly, Contini, Couto, Castellini; Parravicini, Cigarini, Dessena; Rossi, Budan, Muslimovic
Messina (probable): Paoletti; Candela, Zanchi, Iuliano, Zoro; Lavecchia, Pestrin, D'Aversa, Masiello, Di Napoli; Riganò
Serie A Week 36 - 13/5/07 (14.00 UK)
Reggina - Chievo
Stadio Granillo
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A tense relegation battle is in prospect at the Stadio Granillo as Reggina and Chievo meet in a true six-pointer. With the two sides neck-and-neck hovering one point above the drop zone, these 90 minutes could be the difference between Serie A survival and exile to the Cadetti.
Despite being hit by a Calciopoli penalty, Reggina could still pull off the great escape and earn another season in the top flight. Boosted by the heroics of Rolando Bianchi and Nicola Amoruso, the Calabrians have looked far from doomed of late and extended their unbeaten run to six games with last weekend’s stalemate against Sampdoria.
This may be the last season at the club for highly-rated tactician Walter Mazzarri and he will be determined to leave with his reputation for defying the odds intact. If the Amaranto are to keep out of the bottom three this is their best chance and they certainly can’t rely on taking anything from Milan on the final day.
Chievo’s days as Serie A’s Cinderella side may be numbered. A 1-0 win over fellow-strugglers Parma last weekend was invaluable, but the Gialloblu must follow it with a win here if they want to stop nervously glancing over their shoulders.
The big test for Gigi Del Neri is to inspire his side to a rare away win. The Clivensi have only triumphed twice on their travels all season but there could hardly be a better time to exorcise their away-day demons.
Week 17 saw a thriller between the two sides with Chievo stealing a 3-2 win courtesy of a late Simone Tiribocchi volley. There will be no Tiribocchi this time after the Ceo surprisingly let him leave for Lecce in January. With just four goals in the last six games, the Veronese don’t look likely to repeat December’s feat.
Mazzarri will be forced to watch from the stands after his dismissal against Sampdoria and he has a few selection problems. Francesco Modesto may recover from injury but Luca Tognozzi, Antonio Giosa and Giandomenico Mesto look set to miss out. Disciplinary problems are mounting - Salvatore Aronica is suspended and seven others are one booking away from a ban.
The visitors have a defensive crisis with Lorenzo D’Anna, Fabio Moro and Giuseppe Scurto out due to injury and Andrea Mantovani suspended. Youngster Cesare Rickler Del Mare is set to be handed the third League start of his career.
Man on fire: Sergio Pellissier (Chievo) – Hasn’t looked the player he was last season but has found form in the last few weeks. His pace and cool finishing was the difference against Parma and could be vital again.
Last season: Reggina 1-3 Chievo
Form guide: Reggina (D W D W D) Chievo (L D W L W)
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Reggina (probable): Campagnolo; Lanzaro, Di Dio, Lucarelli; Vigiani, Amerini, Gazzi, Tedesco; Foggia, Amoruso, Bianchi
Chievo (probable): Squizzi; Malago’, Mandelli, Rickler, Lanna; Sammarco, Brighi, Marcolini, Semioli; Pellissier, Bogdani
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Serie A Week 36 - 13/5/07 (14.00 UK)
Roma - Torino
Stadio Olimpico
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While Roma’s only motivation is pride, Torino arrive at the Stadio Olimpico desperate for points with their bid for survival set to go the wire.
With their Serie A mission accomplished, Roma’s focus can now turn to breaking Inter’s vice-like grip on the Coppa Italia. Last weekend saw Luciano Spalletti’s men mathematically ensure a second-placed finish with an impressive 2-1 win at Palermo – now the only incentive to win is to appease the Giallorossi’s notoriously volatile support.
Spalletti will also look to finish the season on a high to strengthen his case for transfer funds in the summer. A few astute signings could be the difference between a title challenge next term and a return to trailing in Milan’s wake.
Unlike their hosts, Torino’s season hangs by a thread and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Gianni De Biasi’s side picked up a priceless 1-0 win over Ascoli last weekend but are still just two points above the relegation zone. De Biasi must really be having sleepless nights with President Urbano Cairo declaring that he will only extend the ex-Brescia tactician’s contract if he secures survival.
While Toro’s case is helped by the sheer weight of sides in the frame for the drop, they face a trip to Inter on the final day and know that they cannot rely on taking anything away from the San Siro. This trip may look daunting but the Granata may need some heroics at some stage if they are to avoid an immediate return to Serie B.
Roma squeezed past Torino 2-1 in Week 17 thanks to an inspired Amantino Mancini and ended Toro’s run of three consecutive clean sheets. The statistics suggest that Torino have little chance of an upset. Roma have won the last six meetings between the two sides and De Biasi has only won one of 11 meetings with Spalletti.
Torino’s last win at the Olimpico was an unforgettable 5-4 in 1992-93. Goals may be the problem for the visitors. Roma have conceded just eight times at home all campaign – Serie A’s best record - and Torino have scored just 11 times on their travels – the League’s equal fewest.
Spalletti is unlikely to call upon Cristian Chivu or Rodrigo Taddei who are recovering from injuries and David Pizarro looks set to miss out. Alberto Aquilani is ready to deputise. Max Tonetto should return from a spell on the sidelines.
Torino make the trip without injured stoppers Giuseppe Pancaro and ex-Roma man Cesare Bovo. Roman striker Roberto Muzzi is struggling for fitness but should start.
Man on fire: Alessandro Rosina (Torino) – Whether Toro stay up or not, the gifted Azzurrini will surely start next term in Serie A. He was the saviour once again against Ascoli to take his season total to nine.
Last season: Not played
Form guide: Roma (W W L D W) Torino (L L D L W)
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Roma (probable): Curci; Cassetti, Ferrari, Mexes, Tonetto; De Rossi, Aquilani, Wilhelmsson, Perrotta, Mancini; Totti
Torino (probable): Abbiati; Comotto, Brevi, Franceschini, Balestri; Gallo, Ardito, Rosina, Muzzi, Lazetic; Stellone
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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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Serie A Week 36 - 13/5/07 (14.00 UK)
Udinese - Atalanta
Stadio Friuli
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Udinese and Atalanta both seem to be fairly certain of a mid-table finish with only three matches remaining, but don’t expect either team to take things easy when they meet at the Stadio Friuli. European qualification is still a remote possibility for these two teams, but at least one of them is guaranteed to drop out of the race by the end of 90 minutes.
With Coach Alberto Malesani still fresh on the Zebrette bench, every player in the squad will know there could be big changes on the way this summer. Malesani will surely be looking to bring in some of his own players during the transfer market and the Bianconeri men will want to impress their boss in the final few games of the campaign. Udinese’s form has hit trouble after consecutive defeats to relegation candidates Catania and Cagliari, while their tough final fixtures against Milan and Palermo mean this will probably be many of the players’ best chance to prove their worth to the side.
A number of the Bianconeri’s lesser-used squad members look likely to have a chance to impress Malesani in this match too, thanks to Friuli outfit’s appalling disciplinary record. Four red cards in two weeks, plus an avalanche of cautions, means that the likes of Antonio Di Natale, Vincenzo Iaquinta, Aleksandar Lukovic, Andrea Coda and Giampiero Pinzi are all suspended. Add in the injuries to Damiano Zenoni, Felipe and Christian Obodo, and their team is likely to have an experimental look to it on Sunday. Tomas Sivok, Gaetano D’Agostino and Tomas Zapotocny should all feature, while Gyan Asamoah and Barreto are expected to start in attack.
Atalanta will be without influential defender Claudio Rivalta through suspension, while top scorer Cristiano Doni will miss out, along with youngster Marino Defendi, after undergoing surgery earlier this month. Argentine duo Leonardo Talamonti and Fernando Tissone should take their place for this game, while Riccardo Zampagna is expected to get the nod in the lone striker’s role ahead of Nicola Ventola and Christian Vieri.
The Orobici are the closer of the two sides to a place in Europe next season. Just five points behind Fiorentina and a place in the UEFA Cup, thanks to another Inter-Roma Coppa Italia Final freeing up an extra space, Nerazzurri Coach Stefano Colantuono will still see Europe as a target even if it is a distant one. While they have impressed in Bergamo, La Dea’s form on their travels will need to improve drastically if they are to have any chance of causing an upset in the race for Europe after failing to get on the scoresheet in their last two away trips to Empoli and Messina.
Man on fire: Sulley Ali Muntari (Udinese) – The Ghanaian international has covered for the absence of midfield partner Christian Obodo excellently in recent weeks and his eye for goal could be even more important with strikers Vincenzo Iaquinta and Antonio Di Natale both suspended for this game.
Last season: Not played
Form guide: Udinese (W W D L L) Atalanta (W L W D W)
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Udinese (probable): De Sanctis; Zapotocny, Natali, Zapata; Motta, Sivok, D’Agostino, Muntari, Dossena; Asamoah, Barreto
Atalanta (probable): Calderoni; Adriano, Talamonti, Carrozzieri, Bellini; Ferreira Pinto, Migliaccio, Donati, Ariatti; Tissone; Zampagna
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