[dukeofdavinci]

Serie A Week 29 - 19/3/08 (19.30 UK)
Parma - Palermo

Stadio Tardini

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Relegation-threatened Parma will be looking to halt Palermo’s chase for a European spot when they welcome the Sicilian outfit to the Stadio Tardini. Both sides are currently without a win in their last three matches.

Facing the drop to Serie B, the Gialloblu took serious action last week when they axed Coach Mimmo Di Carlo. Hector Cuper, the man who almost led Inter to the Scudetto in 2002, has been given a route back into the Italian game as a result, but he’s got a tough job on his hands. Confidence in the Ducali camp is low, but they did at least earn a point against fellow strugglers Livorno in Cuper’s debut thanks to a stunning volley by Reginaldo.

The Brazilian’s ‘reward’ could be a place on the bench, as reports suggest that Giulio Falcone’s return from suspension will force him out of the side. With the defender restored to the starting XI, Paolo Castellini would probably move up to left-wing, but there’s every chance that Reginaldo will retain his place instead. Elsewhere, midfield maestro Luca Cigarini is set to return to the team in place of Andrea Pisanu, while joint-top scorer Andrea Gasbarroni – albeit with just five goals – will play just off Cristiano Lucarelli once again.

Despite boasting one of the most impressive collections of strikers in the League, Palermo have only the slightest chance of qualifying for European football again next season thanks to their inconsistent performances this term. Amauri, Fabrizio Miccoli and Edison Cavani have managed 19 goals between them, but the Rosanero defence is the third leakiest in the Division. Throw into the mix that their away form this term has been woeful and it’s hard to see them picking up a result on Wednesday night.

Nonetheless, boss Francesco Guidolin – who returned to the club for the fourth time in November after replacing Stefano Colantuono – is boosted by the return of skipper Andrea Barzagli after he missed out against Inter through injury. The Azzurri ace is expected to take Mattia Cassani’s place, with Cristian Zaccardo switching to wing-back. Roberto Guana misses out through suspension so there’s likely to be room for Fabio Caserta, while a minor injury niggle means that Cavani could come in for Amauri. Fabio Simplicio will start in midfield against his former club.

Since Palermo returned to Serie A in 2004, meetings between the sides have tended to finish all-square. The two exceptions have, however, resulted in spectacular games of football. Back in January 2006, Palermo emerged with a 4-2 victory thanks to a stunning second-half comeback after trailing 2-1 at the interval. But that paled in comparison to the clash last April, when Giuseppe Rossi inspired the Ducali to a 4-3 victory which played a vital role in their battle against relegation.

Keep an eye on: Cristiano Lucarelli (Parma) – If the burly hitman has any hope of going to Euro 2008 then he must get back in the goals in a big way.

Last season: Parma 0-0 Palermo

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


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Parma (probable): Bucci; Zenoni, Paci, Falcone, Rossi; Castellini, Mariga, Morrone, Cigarini; Gasbarroni; Lucarelli

Palermo (probable): Fontana; Biava, Barzagli, Rinaudo; Zaccardo, Tedesco, Migliaccio, Simplicio, Balzaretti; Miccoli, Amauri

Ref: To follow...

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