Tuscan torment for brittle Lazio

Lazio's brittle confidence sunk even lower after they crashed to a 3-0 defeat away to a spirited Siena.

Brazilian Rodrigo Taddei was the architect of Lazio's downfall, scoring twice in the final four minutes of a pulsating first-half before setting up compatriot Fernando Menegazzi for a late third as Roberto Mancini's men fell to their fourth Serie A defeat of the season in Tuscany.

Lazio, whose Champions League hopes are hanging by a thread after Wednesday's disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Besiktas, were forced to play the last 23 minutes with 10 men following the sending-off of Dejan Stankovic for verbally abusing a linesman.

Lazio, who remain fifth on 19 points, seven points behind league leaders Juventus, must win their final first phase Champions League match away to Sparta Prague on December 9 and hope Besiktas fail to beat Chelsea in order to qualify for the knockout phase of Europe's premier club competition.

Siena, promoted as champions from Serie B last season, move up to seventh after recording only their third victory of the campaign.

Later Saturday unbeaten Juventus host Inter Milan at the Delle Alpi stadium.

On Sunday Roma and AC Milan, tied for second place on 24 points, play at home to Lecce and Modena respectively.

Angelo Peruzzi rescued Lazio with early saves to deny Alessandro Cucciari and Nicola Ventola before the visitors spurned a gilt-edged opportunity to take the lead.

Bernardo Corradi's robust run took him into the penalty box and his low cross found Stankovic unmarked with the goal gaping. The Serbian midfielder looked odds on to score but he somehow sliced his shot from a couple of yards out and the ball flew high over the bar.

That miss was to prove costly for Lazio who fell behind in the 41st minute. Former Roma midfielder Gianni Gigou broke swiftly down the right wing and crossed for Ventola whose header was deflected into the path of Taddei. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder poked the ball home from close range for his third goal of the season.

A defensive howler from Sinisa Mihajlovic led to Siena doubling their lead two minutes later. The veteran Serb tried to usher the ball out for a goal-kick just by the corner flag but was robbed by the lively Ventola. The former Inter Milan forward, whose career has been plagued by injuries, looked up and rolled the ball across goal invitingly for Taddei who slid home with ease.

Lazio's hopes of mounting a recovery faded when Stankovic, incensed by a decision that went against him, took out his frustration on the referee's assistant.

Menegazzo ended a miserable night for the Romans by side-footing home in the fourth minute of injury time after Taddei had ripped through the Lazio defence with a jinking run.