Bologna vs Siena preview - Pioli wary of Siena threat

Posted Sunday, February 10, 2013 by PA

Bologna head coach Stefano Pioli knows Sunday's opponents Siena are in a false position as he looks to secure his own side's future in Serie A.

The Rossoblu made hard work of a 3-2 victory over struggling Pescara to move five points clear of the relegation zone, but Siena would only be two points behind them in 17th place if not for a six-point deduction.

A 3-1 victory over Inter Milan saw Giuseppe Iachini's men close to within four points of safety, having fought an uphill battle to overcome the significant punishment meted out for their involvement in attempted match-fixing.

Bologna had to come from behind twice to beat lowly Pescara and Pioli is demanding a cleaner performance against the Bianconeri.

He said: "Without the deduction they'd have 23 points and they've just beaten Inter.

"The Pescara game was a painful experience but we did very well against an opponent that was desperate to atone for some bad defeats.

"We went behind twice but answered back well, I have to praise my team but there's a lot of work still to do."

Striker Manolo Gabbiadini and defender Cesare Natali are unavailable through injury and Pioli will be hoping for a fifth goal in as many games from veteran striker Alberto Gilardino, who played a key role as Italy salvaged a late draw in a friendly game with Holland this week.

Goals from Innocent Emeghara, Alessio Sestu and Alessandro Rosina delivered a memorable triumph over Inter at the Stadio Artemio Franchi but Iachini wants his side to be equally ruthless on the road.

"We played a great game in every respect," he said. "We were organised, compact and always ready to hit them on the counter-attack.

"I have to thank the lads who are giving me their all, they are following my lead and that gives me great satisfaction.

"I want a team that can win as many games as possible, both at home and away. Only through doing that will we climb the league table and achieve our targets."

Striker Nicola Pozzi remains Iachini's only injury concern but defender Massimo Paci serves a one-match ban and will not feature in Bologna.

Bologna have won this fixture twice in a row but they were turned over 4-1 by Siena at the Renato Dall'Ara back in April 2009.