Catania coach Rolando Maran has handed Spanish youngster Keko a rare Serie A start against Cagliari this afternoon.

The 21-year-old makes only his third league appearance of the season in the absence of Francesco Lodi and Sergio Almiron.

Pablo Barrientos is also suspended for the home side, with Giuseppe Bellusci starting in central defence.

Cagliari have picked an attacking lineup as Mauricio Pinilla continues to form a three-man forward line alongside Marco Sau and Victor Ibarbo.

Catania: Andujar, Alvarez, Bellusci, Spolli, Marchese, Izco, Biagianti, Castro, Keko, Gomez, Bergessio

Cagliari: Agazzi, Pisano, Rossettini, Astori, Avelar; Dessena, Conti, Nainggolan; Ibarbo, Pinilla, Sau