Siena face the tough task on Sunday of trying to tame defending champions and Serie A leaders Inter Milan, who could have Dejan Stankovic back.Siena, who have won just once at home this season, have never beaten the Nerazzurri in the league while the Milan giants have not lost their first game after the winter break since 1999

Given their current form, this run looks unlikely to be broken and Siena defender Simone Loria is aware his side will have to be at their best if they are to take anything from the match.

Speaking to the club's official website, he said: "It certainly isn't an easy restart to the season. However, it is stimulating and important for us players to face Inter.

"We have worked hard during the break and also this week in preparation specifically for this match. On a physical level we are fit while on a mental level we don't need further stimulus as matches like this give you enough.

"To win a game like this we must be at 100 per cent and they not at their best, but nothing can be discounted as all matches start goalless."

The veteran defender also stressed there is still a long way to go in the battle for survival, even though his team sit 18th in the 20-team table.

"The road is still long and difficult but there is the possibility to do well," Loria added.

"There are teams with 17 points above us, only three points clear so the fight is well and truly open.

"What is important is that we work hard week after week and with the maximum effort and the maximum determination."

The Bianconeri's new signing, Uruguayan striker Richard Anibal Candelaresi Porta, may have to wait for his Robur debut as his transfer from Argentinian side River Plate has yet to be cleared.

Leandro Grimi is the only other player missing for home coach Mario Beretta.

A major boost for visiting Inter is the news that attacking midfielder Stankovic could be fit enough to make the bench on Sunday.

The Serbian is one of several key players coach Roberto Mancini has had to do without for a number of weeks.

His absence has not been without its advantages though as Chilean ace Luis Jimenez, who has been filling in for Stankovic, has flourished.

The 23-year old has been dubbed the 'new Luis Figo' by many for his performances of late, but although he is flattered he is playing down the comparison.

"It pleases me a lot to hear someone compare me to Luis, but I don't feel like the new Figo," he said.

"We play in different roles but it is normal that when your name is mentioned along with one of the biggest champions you are happy."

Jimenez will line up behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Julio Cruz, who has scored in three consecutive away games for the Beneamata.

Marco Materazzi will return to partner Ivan Cordoba in central defence in the absence of Walter Samuel, who recently underwent an operation to repair a damaged anterior cruciate ligament.

Patrick Vieira, Francesco Toldo, Luis Figo, David Suazo and Olivier Dacourt are also missing through injury.

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