Siena vs Lazio preview - Mezzaroma issues Lazio warning

Siena president Massimo Mezzaroma has warned high-fliers Lazio to expect a battle when the two sides meet in Serie A.

The Tuscan outfit heads into the encounter at the Artemio Franchi stadium in desperate need of points having failed to come out triumphant since October 30.

"Lazio are a very good side and I'm sure they will do well this season," Mezzaroma said. "However, it's crucial for us to get a win against them.

"We need to start getting result in view of our fight to avoid the drop.

"I expect my players to go into the first game of the year with knives between their teeth."

Lack of goalscoring has been Siena's main problem this season, with Giuseppe Sannino's side having failed to find the back of the net in its last five league games.

Sannino, whose side is 16th in the standings, will be forced to make changes with respect to the team that held Fiorentina to a goalless draw last time out.

Gianluca Pegolo will replace goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic, who is out for three weeks with a back problem.

Moreover, defender Roberto Vitiello and midfielder Gaetano D'Agostino are both suspended.

Lazio are not at full strength as they travel to Tuscany with defender Abdoulay Konko, midfielders Cristian Brocchi and Stefano Mauri as well as striker Libor Kozak all injured.

The Romans will be hoping the absences do not prevent the club from continuing its recent tradition of winning games to start the year.

Lazio have won four times and lost just once in their last seven games at the start of January.

Edy Reja's side is fourth in the standings, four points behind Serie A leaders Juventus, and remain unbeaten on the road this season.