Chievo 0-1 Siena

Siena claimed a vital victory to increase their slim hopes of avoiding the drop at Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi.

A late volley from Reginaldo was enough to secure the three points for Alberto Malesani's side, who started the game 10 points from safety, but the defeat adds to Chievo's own relegation worries.

The top-flight's basement club had gone seven games without a win, and had not won away from home since the end of August. They had also spent the build-up to the game training behind closed doors under a self-imposed media silence in an effort to bring the squad closer together.

But their hard work appeared to have had little effect when the Flying Donkeys made the better start.

The home side had a chance to take the lead as early as the second minute when Giampiero Pinzi was played in on goal by Erjon Bogdani, but Siena keeper Gianluca Curci did well to beat away his shot.

Curci was forced into action again just before the half-hour mark as Luciano's cross-shot evaded him, but the ball flew just wide of the post.

Siena finally created a clear-cut opportunity in the 38th minutes. Reginaldo managed to get away from Mario Yepes' poorly-timed challenge and run through on goal, but keeper Stefano Sorrentino did well to keep out his effort as the forward attempted to lift the ball over him.

Yepes' poor defensive display continued as he came very close to putting through his own net as he tried to clear Alexandros Tziolis' cross, but the ball cannoned away off the post for Andrea Montovani to clear.

The game remained goalless at the break but Siena continued to look the more dangerous side as Calaio's long-range shot forced a full-stretch stop from Sorrentino.

Michele Marcolini had a rare chance for Chievo after Aleandro Rosi's poor clearance but his shot was blocked by Cribari.

But Siena finally took one of their succession of chances in the 75th minute.

Larronda did well to cushion the ball down to Reginaldo with his head and the Brazilian forward showed excellent technique to volley home from the edge of the penalty area.

Chievo sought a rapid response and they thought they had found one with five minutes remaining.

Simone Bentivoglio's cross-shot hit the crossbar and fell to Marcolini who coolly finished, only for the referee to give the visitors a free-kick for a foul and that was to be as close as the hosts got to a leveller.