Siena vs Fiorentina preview - Mezzarome issues rallying cry

Posted Tuesday, December 20, 2011 by PA

Siena president Massimo Mezzaroma had demanded both a win and a huge improvement from his players when they host Fiorentina.

The Bianconeri go into the Tuscan derby knowing that a defeat could see them spend the holidays in the relegation zone.

Giuseppe Sannino's side are two points clear of 18th-placed Cesena, who visit Atalanta on Wednesday.

Mezzaroma watched his team slip to their fourth consecutive defeat in Saturday's 2-0 loss at AC Milan.

"The game against Fiorentina is crucial for us," Mezzaroma said. "We will need to be more clinical in front of goal and try to get three valuable points in our battle to avoid the drop."

Siena have not won since beating Chievo 4-1 on October 30 and have failed to score in their last four league games.

Fortunately for Siena, Fiorentina also have their share of problems.

Delio Rossi's men have mustered just two points of a possible 21 away from Florence after scoring just once in seven games.

Fiorentina followed their 2-0 defeat at Inter Milan with a 2-2 draw against Atalanta at the weekend that saw them drop to 15th place, three points clear of Siena.

With just one win in their last six league games, Fiorentina striker Alberto Gilardino knows his team have a lot of work to do.

"We are working hard in order to try to get out of this situation," he said. "We have to keep our focus and wait for better times.

"It's a pity we dropped two points against Atalanta because we really needed a win.

"But we must put that result behind us and focus on Tuesday's game, which will be a battle."