[dukeofdavinci]

Serie A Week 33 - 13/4/08 (14.00 UK)
Empoli - Parma

Stadio Castellani

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The Stadio Carlo Castellani plays host to a vital relegation six-pointer this weekend as Empoli welcome Parma. The Gialloblu are just a point clear of their Tuscan opponents, who are up to joint-penultimate place after securing a morale-boosting victory at Torino last time out.

It was the perfect return to the bench for Gigi Cagni, who was recalled to the hot seat after Alberto Malesani’s disastrous four-month spell at the helm – coincidentally, defeat to the Toro in Week 13 had proved to be Cagni’s downfall earlier this term. It has been a difficult campaign for the Azzurri after they finished in seventh place last season to secure a spot in the UEFA Cup, with largely the same group of players failing to recreate that form.

Strangely, one of the few Empoli squad members who has consistently put in good performances is unlikely to be in the starting XI for a second successive week. Sebastian Giovinco, currently on loan from Juventus, failed to make the cut against the Granata and it looks likely that Cagni will keep faith with the same players who picked up a 1-0 win courtesy of Ighli Vannucchi’s last-gasp goal. Luca Saudati will once again lead the line, with Nicola Pozzi out for the rest of the season.

Like Empoli, Parma are also being led by a new tactician as Hector Cuper arrived in March at the expense of Mimmo Di Carlo. Since then the Ducali have picked up five points from four matches, including a 2-2 draw at Lazio last time out. It was a game that the Tardini outfit really should have won, having taken the lead through Igor Budan and then missing a number of decent opportunities.

Two of the main culprits are likely to find themselves out of the team for the trip to Tuscany. Brazilian winger Reginaldo had a nightmare against the Rome-based outfit and was subbed off at half-time so don’t be surprised if you see Daniele Dessena’s name in place of his on Cuper’s team sheet. Bernando Corradi was also guilty of a criminal miss against his former club and with Cristiano Lucarelli back from suspension it is likely that the former Livorno goal-getter will return to the side.

Recent meetings between the sides are stacked in Parma’s favour, as Empoli have won just one of the last five. The two strugglers met on the last day of the 2007-08 campaign when the Ducali’s 3-1 victory secured their Serie A status. This clash looks likely to be every bit as important and it is worth noting that Parma are yet to win on their travels this term…

Keep an eye on: Igor Budan (Parma) – With five goals in his last seven appearances, the Empoli defence will have to be on top form to keep out the Croatian hitman.

Last season: Empoli 2-0 Parma

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


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Empoli (probable): Balli; Raggi, Marzoratti, Piccolo, Tosto; Busce', Budel, Marchisio, Antonini; Vannucchi, Saudati

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

Ref: To follow...

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