Late Bogdani brace gives Siena draw with Parma

ROME, Nov 4 (Reuters) Siena's impressive start to the Serie A season today continued when striker Erjon Bogdani struck twice late in the game to give them a 2-2 draw with Parma.

The Albanian striker's goals -- the second scored in stoppage time -- left Siena fourth in the division on 16 points, five behind joint leaders Inter Milan and Palermo, who host Ascoli and Sampdoria respectively tomorrow.

Parma were ahead at halftime thanks to a goal by Domenico Morfeo and tightened their grip in the 70th minute when striker Igor Budan sprinted down the left and unleashed a shot that beat home keeper Alex Manninger at his near post.

Seven minutes later, however, Bogdani began Siena's unlikely fightback, turning Enrico Chiesa's low cross into the net.

Parma keeper Alfonso De Lucia seemed to have sealed a win for his side when he parried a late free kick, but with time running out he spilled a shot by Francesco Cozza into the path of Bogdani, who tapped in the equaliser.

Also today, Reggina's battle against relegation suffered a setback when they lost 1-0 at home to midtable Catania.

The club from the toe of the Italian boot, who were handed a 15-point penalty for their part in the match-fixing scandal, lie bottom of the division on minus three points.

Reuters SBA VP0345