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Serie A Week 28 - 16/3/08 (14.00 UK)
Livorno - Parma

Stadio Picchi

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Hector Cuper will be hoping to start his new adventure at Parma in style as the Crociati travel to Tuscany to take on relegation rivals Livorno in Week 28. The Gialloblu are looking to end their negative run of two consecutive defeats which led to the axing of boss Mimmo Di Carlo, but the Amaranto are no pushovers.

Last week’s round saw both the Emiliani and the Tuscans being defeated 2-0 by Sampdoria and Lazio respectively. Parma lie 17th in the table with 25 points, while Livorno are just one point ahead of them. The relegation battle is getting tough so both teams will be desperate for points. In last year’s encounter the locals comfortably won 3-0 and the visitors will be looking to end their Armando Picchi nightmare where they have always been defeated.

Big news for Parma is obviously the arrival of former Inter tactician Cuper, who was hired by President Tommaso Ghirardi in order to lead them to safety. Former Livorno midfielder Stefano Morrone paid tribute to their departing boss though. “The sacking of Di Carlo was a defeat for all of us. We are really sad about it and we blame ourselves…”

The morale at Livorno is definitely higher. Coach Giancarlo Camolese has done a good job so far, although the Amaranto are still in a risky position. “This a fundamental clash for us. From now on we cannot afford any more slip-ups,” said the Labronici boss.

Livorno will be missing Alessandro Grandoni and Daniele De Vezze due to suspension. Nico Pulzetti, Stefano Rossini and Giuliano Giannichedda will also be out injured. Defenders Fabio Galante, Simone Pavan and Dario Knezevic will from the back three.

Massimo Loviso should play in the middle of the park with Antonio Filippini and Giovanni Pasquale on the flanks. In attack it looks like Francesco Tavano behind Spanish bomber Diego Tristan.

Parma’s formation is still a mystery given Cuper’s somewhat shock arrival. However, the Argentine boss used a 4-4-2 system while at Inter and this should be his preferred option. He won’t be able to count on the banned Giulo Falcone.

Andrea Gasbarroni and Andrea Pisanu will start wide, while talented youngster Luca Cigarini will play centrally. Former Livorno captain Cristiano Lucarelli should form the attacking duo alongside Igor Budan.

Keep an eye on: Cristiano Lucarelli (Parma) – The former Labronici legend will make his return to the Stadio Picchi after his departure last summer, but he will have to lead his new team to victory.

Last season: Livorno 3-0 Parma

Form guide: Livorno (L L L W L) Parma (D D W L L)


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Livorno (probable): Amelia; Knezevic, Pavan, Galante; Balleri, Vidigal, Loviso, A.Filippini, Pasquale; Tavano, Tristan

Parma (probable): Bucci; Coly, Couto, Rossi, Castellini; Gasbarroni, Morrone, Cigarini, Pisanu; Budan, Lucarelli

Ref: To follow...

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