[dukeofdavinci]

Serie A Week 34 - 20/4/08 (14.00 UK)

Parma - Napoli
Stadio Tardini

Parma have everything to play for as they cling on to their Serie A status, while Napoli arrive at the Stadio Tardini guaranteed to finish somewhere in the middle of the pack.

Pre-season optimism quickly dissipated at Parma and was replaced by fear. A dismal run, which led to the dismissal of Coach Domenico Di Carlo, left the Ducali with one toe in the relegation quicksand and new boss Hector Cuper will need all his tactical nous to lead the Emilia-Romagna outfit clear of danger.

Cuper’s appointment brought a wave of confidence, but the change has been subtle rather than dramatic and the Crociati remain 17th after digging deep for a 1-1 draw against fellow strugglers Empoli last weekend. A win here is crucial to put the pressure on Reggina, who face Milan, and Livorno, who are at Roma, and Cuper knows that a draw just isn’t enough. Next week’s trip to Reggina could be pivotal, but the Gialloblu must build a safety buffer so they don’t have to rely on picking up points from Fiorentina and Inter in the final fortnight.

Napoli boss Edy Reja has had his ups and downs this season, but he is set to be awarded a new contract after a successful term of consolidation. The newly promoted side are closer to UEFA Cup contention than the drop zone and last weekend’s 2-0 win over Atalanta confirmed that they have what it takes to finish in the top half.

If Reja can keep Marek Hamsik and Ezequiel Lavezzi and add some summer reinforcements, this side could be headed for a triumphant return to Europe. However, one thing to work on is the Vesuviani’s travel sickness – they have won just twice away from the cauldron of the Stadio San Paolo and have been beaten 10 times on the road.

Napoli won 1-0 when the two sides met in Week 15 thanks to a super strike from Marcelo Zalayeta. There will be no repeat because the Uruguayan international is out for the remainder of the season. Parma have beaten Napoli this term however, as they knocked them out of the Coppa Italia, and the Neapolitan side have lost their last six League games at the Tardini.

Parma are fighting fatigue after playing Juventus in a rescheduled game in midweek. Defender Massimo Paci is banned and will be replaced by Fernando Couto or Marco Rossi. Senegalese stopper Ferdinand Coly and midfielder Andrea Pisanu are injured.

Reja has no new injury woes, but former Parma man Matteo Contini and Michele Pazienza are suspended. There may be some tension between defender Fabiano Santacroce and Argentine striker Lavezzi after the duo came to blows at a team meal.

Keep an eye on: Marek Hamsik (Napoli) – The talented Slovakian midfielder is reportedly on Juventus and Manchester United’s wish lists and was the Partenopei’s key man yet again last weekend.

Last season: Not played

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

Parma (probable): Bucci; Zenoni, Couto, Falcone, Castellini; Dessena, Mariga, Parravicini, Antonelli; Reginaldo, Corradi

Napoli (probable): Iezzo; Santacroce, Cannavaro, Domizzi; Mannini, Blasi, Gargano, Hamsik, Savini; Calaiò; Lavezzi

Ref: To follow...

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