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Serie A Week 35 - 27/4/08 (14.00 UK)

Reggina - Parma
Stadio Granillo

Reggina welcome Parma to the Stadio Granillo knowing that they have no option but to win in this tense and potentially unpredictable relegation six-pointer. Both teams will be desperate for the three points and a draw will suit neither.

The Calabresi are bottom of the table with 30 points and have one foot in Serie B already. They share that position with Empoli and Livorno. The Amaranto have collected four points from the last five games and failing to win this clash will most likely result in relegation.

A win will be even more crucial after their 5-1 loss at Milan last Sunday. “We have to win this so that we can face Catania in the following game with less pressure,” claimed Coach Nevio Orlandi. The Granillo should be sold out since the board has slashed prices for fans – it will cost them just £7 to watch their next two home games against Parma and Empoli.

Meanwhile, Parma have been struggling themselves. The Emiliani have collected two points from the last five games and their poor run may get them relegated. Hector Cuper’s arrival was meant to turn things around but it hasn’t worked so far. The Crociati are one position ahead of the relegation zone, separated by a one-point gap.

Last weekend’s home defeat against Napoli has made them realise that they could be playing Serie B football next season. “We have to keep the group united,” said Cuper. “Six points in the next four games is all we need, we are not dead yet.”

Reggina won’t have any players suspended for this tie, but the same cannot be said about Parma as they have five men unavailable – Fernando Couto, Andrea Gasbarroni, Giulio Falcone, Paolo Castellini and Maringa. President Tommaso Ghirardi has pointed the finger of blame towards referees.

The Amaranto are hoping Paraguayan midfielder Edgar Barreto, who scored their only goal at San Siro on Sunday, will be able to recover from injury. If not Luca Tognozzi should step in. Franco Brienza and Ciccio Cozza will play behind lone striker Nicola Amoruso.

Cuper will line up a 4-3-1-2 formation. Youngster Luca Antonelli, who has played only five games this term, will be covering the left. Tireless midfielder Daniele Dessena could be playing as a trequartista behind Reginaldo and Cristiano Lucarelli.

Keep an eye on: Nicola Amoruso (Reggina) – The former Juventus striker scored two against Parma last season and will be looking to repeat his sensational performance in order to save the Amaranto from relegation.

Last season: Reggina 3-2 Parma

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

Reggina (probable): Campagnolo; Cirillo, Valdez, Aronica; Vigiani, Barreto, Cascione, Modesto; Cozza, Brienza; Amoruso

Parma (probable): Bucci; Zenoni, Paci, M.Rossi, Antonelli; Morrone, Cigarini, Parravicini; Dessena; Reginaldo, C.Lucarelli

Ref: To follow...

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