Siena move three points clear of drop

ROME (AFP) –

Siena moved three points clear of the Serie A relegation zone with a dramatic 3-2 win at rock-bottom Pescara on Saturday. Innocent Emeghara, pictured in Siena on February 3, 2013, was the star for Siena.

Siena moved three points clear of the Serie A relegation zone with a dramatic 3-2 win at rock-bottom Pescara on Saturday.

Innocent Emeghara was the star for Siena, who let a two-goal lead slip in the second half, as his seventh goal in 11 matches proved the match winner.

Angelo and a Damiano Zanon own-goal put Siena ahead in the first half, but Pescara drew level in the second period thanks to Mervan Celik and an excellent Romulo Togni freekick.

That win means Siena are now three points clear of the relegation zone, while Pescara remain six points adrift at the foot of the table.

“We started well in the first half and imposed our tempo and went ahead 2-0,” said Siena coach Beppe Iachini.

“Then in the second half we had some trouble. When it became 2-1 we were scared and that shouldn’t happen. After that we did well to take over the match once again and managed to get the victory.

“In January people said we were already relegated as we were nine points behind Pescara. We still haven’t accomplished anything but we have risen in the standings.”

Meanwhile, Pescara’s assistant coach Bruno Nobili was critical of the referee for allowing Emeghara’s winner.

“It hurts to lose because of a goal that should have been ruled out as we even noticed on the bench that (Salvador) Agra was offside.”

A David Pizarro penalty helped Fiorentina to a 2-0 win in Bergamo against 10-man Atalanta.

Siena started in frantic fashion putting Pescara under immense pressure and forcing Ivan Pelizzoli into two stunning saves.

The pressure soon told and a poor clearance saw the ball fall into the path of Angelo, who headed home from close range after 14 minutes.

Then on the 33rd minute Zanon directed an Alessio Sestu corner into his own net from six yards.

After the break Pescara emerged a different side and got their reward seven minutes after the restart.

Pegolo came out to smother a Giuseppe Sculli shot but the ball deflected off the goalkeeper to Celik who was able to smash home through a sea of players.

Just seven minutes later Pescara were level as Eugenio Togni scored a beautiful freekick from the left, curling it over the wall, leaving Pegolo rooted to the spot.

That goal brought Siena back to life as they desperately looked for a third. Pelizzoli denied both Angelo and Nicola Pozzi, before Pozzi also struck the upright with a spectacular 25 yard effort.

Pescara had their own brush with the woodwork as Sculli did exactly the same at the other end.

Then, with just four minutes left, the away side struck on the counter attack.

Salvador Agra and Emeghara burst forward with the Swiss striker easily tapping into an empty net.

There were suspicions of offside early in the move as Agra looked to be behind the last defender as the ball was played to him.

In Bergamo, Pizarro struck from the penalty spot in the 61st minute after Guglielmo Stendardo was deemed to have deliberately handled the ball after a cute Adem Ljajic flick.

German Denis did have a glancing header and scissor kick easily saved by Emiliano Viviano in the first half.

Mohamed Sissoko was denied by an acrobatic Andrea Consigli save.

The goalkeeper was at full stretch as the Malian’s long range strike looked destined for the top right corner.

Marcelo Larrondo then doubled the Viola’s advantage on the 72nd minute with a rocket from the left of the six yard area. The Argentinian was played through on goal by Juan Cuadrado and the force with which he struck the ball gave Consigli no chance.

Denis was sent off in the 90th minute for a late lunging tackle on Pizarro.