Wednesday, April 18, 2007

REGGINA - MESSINA


Messina look to have given up the fight to stay in Serie A.


They have lost their last 4, only scoring one goal and that came late in the home defeat to Milan, when they already trailed 3-0. In that game, the visitors enjoyed 65% possession and 23 attempts at goal, with 12 on target. These are very poor stats to post at home, regardless of your opponent.


Their supporters are unhappy with both the team and the reappointment of their former coach, which they see as a backwards step. There is a planned boycott of today's derby at the Stadio Oreste Granillo.


Messina have yet to win on their travels (0-4-11) and lost this fixture 3-0 last year, a result which sealed their relegation. They were later reprieved following the match fixing scandal. History could be close to a repeat, as defeat will leave them in serious trouble. The absence of Rea, Zoro, De Vezze and probably Iliev and Di Napoli, will hardly help.


Reggina sit just outside the drop zone, but have 9 wins to their name, the same as 8th placed Atalanta, their predicament is down to the deduction of 11 points, in the aforementioned scandal.


They will be very motivated to beat their neighbours and should collect the points, with key striker Rolando Bianchi, looking to add to his tally of 16 goals.


5 points Reggina -1/2 ball 1.70 general. won 3-1 + 3.5 pts


Good Luck.

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