Siena vs Catania preview - Capuano keen to stay at Catania

Defender Ciro Capuano is ready to work hard as Catania bid to avoid a third straight Serie A loss and start climbing back up the league table, starting with Sunday's trip to Siena.

Rolando Maran's side made a bright start to the season, but consecutive defeats to Palermo and AC Milan have seen them lose touch with the other European hopefuls.

Capuano has been a peripheral figure so far, unable to displace Giovanni Marchese from central defence, but the 31-year-old played a key role in organising a comeback against Cittadella in the Coppa Italia this week.

Serie B outfit Cittadella took the lead at the Stadio Angelo Massimino this week, holding out until two minutes from time, despite having two men sent off in the second half.

"After that terrible first period against Cittadella we all looked at each other in the eye back in the changing room," Capuano told La Repubblica.

"Everyone who had a pulse realised that we had to roll up our sleeves because the Coppa Italia is a chance for those who don't get much football to show what they can do."

Siena have defied a six-point deduction for their involvement in the summer's match-fixing scandal to edge steadily towards safety, having struggled to stay up last season.

"Last year we faced Siena who weren't doing well," Capuano added. "Only by starting from scratch and winning there can we begin a new cycle."

Capuano, whose contract expires in June, added: "My desire is to stay with Catania but I would consider any offer that came along."

Siena are in much better shape than their Sicilian guests, with only defender Angelo sidelined through injury, but the Rossazzurri are missing Fabio Sciacca, Mariano Izco and Marco Biagianti.

Pablo Barrientos and Giuseppe Bellusci serve bans for the visitors, who are 10 points shy of Roma and the closest Europa League place.