[dukeofdavinci]

Parma to call on Cuper? Tuesday 11 March, 2008

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Parma President Tommaso Ghirardi is considering his options for life after Mimmo Di Carlo, while Nevio Scala distances himself from the hot seat.

Former Mantova man Di Carlo lost his job on Monday after Parma’s 2-1 defeat with Sampdoria.

He collected only 25 points from 27 games, a return which has left the Gialloblu joint third from bottom with 11 matches to go.

Despite wielding the axe, the 42-year-old President refused to completely blame Di Carlo for Parma’s plight, which has seen them win only one of their last 10 games.

“It isn’t right to put all the blame on the Coach. We must all examine our consciences - players, Coaches and directors,” he insisted.

Although no new man has been confirmed, Ghirardi reassured journalists that Parma is in safe hands and that there is a strategy in place.

“The club has very clear ideas and by Tuesday we will already know who will take over training,” he explained.

“We still don’t have an agreement and for this reason we will wait before releasing a name.

"We want a Coach with experience and I want to make an important and long-lasting choice. I am used to not disappointing or deceiving anyone.”

Many names have been linked with the bench at the Ennio Tardini including those of former boss Scala, Alberto Zaccheroni and Hector Cuper.

Cuper, who was dismissed by Real Betis in December, is now the favourite for the job as Scala has been quick to play down the frenzy sparked by his presence at the Ducali’s defeat against Sampdoria.

“On Saturday I went to the party to celebrate Inter’s 100th anniversary and so I stayed overnight in Milan,” he told Calciomercato.it.

“The next morning I had breakfast and decided to drop by my house in Parma. I just wanted to open the windows and let some air in.”

Reports suggest that Gianni De Biasi and Carlo Mazzone have already refused Ghirardi’s call, as he tries to repeat last term’s success when he fired the struggling Stefano Pioli and replaced him with Claudio Ranieri who led the Crociati to safety.

channel4.com - Football Italia