[D-Kin]

Di Carlo's timely triumph Thursday 28 February, 2008

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Parma Coach Domenico Di Carlo breathed a sigh of relief after victory over Udinese – a result that many believe saved his job.

With the Ducali floundering in the relegation zone, there had been rumours that President Tommaso Ghirardi was ready to axe Serie A novice Di Carlo.

However, an encouraging three points against a stuttering Udinese seem to have lifted the tension for the time being.

“With all the criticism I have received it seemed like I was already out of a job, but it’s what happens on the pitch that counts,” Di Carlo stressed.

“This is our fourth game unbeaten and it’s a result that will give us belief in our ability.

“The first half was very cagey and we made Udinese do the work, but after the interval we played with more invention, partly due to the substitutions.

“This is how you secure survival – with this group, this spirit of sacrifice and by staying alert for 95 minutes.”

Sporting director Gabriele Zamagna also hailed an important win, but maintains that it wasn’t do or die for Di Carlo.

“The talk about Di Carlo being sacked was fabrication,” he maintained.

“The team aren’t having a great time and obviously things are discussed when results go badly, but that was a real response on the pitch.

“We are confident for the future and we will go to Roma this weekend to play our football.”

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