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Serie A Week 37 - 11/5/08 (14.00 UK)

Fiorentina - Parma
Stadio Franchi

Both Fiorentina and Parma will be desperate for points when they meet at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in Week 37 – but for very different reasons. The Tuscans are chasing a top-four finish while the Emiliani are fighting against relegation.

Last weekend was positive for the Gialloblu, but awful for the Viola. Parma managed to beat Genoa at home, while Fiorentina were defeated by Cagliari. The Crociati are still third from last, while the Gigliati have dropped one position and are now fifth, one point behind Milan.

One week ago the Tuscans’ campaign seemed to be going as hoped, but it’s quickly turning into a disaster. The Viola deserved to reach the UEFA Cup Final but were defeated on penalties by Rangers, then Milan managed to overtake them in the table. “We will fight until the end,” stated Cesare Prandelli, but the Gigliati fans are wondering whether that will be enough…

Parma have one foot in Serie B even after their win against Genoa. Now they need two miracles against Fiorentina and Inter in order to stay up. “Our fans will help us,” claimed President Tommaso Ghirardi. “We have dropped too many points, but I am sure we will give our best in Florence next Sunday.”

The Viola will be without the suspended Manuel Pasqual and Adrian Mutu. The absence of the Romanian, banned for the rest of the season, is a massive blow for Fiorentina. However, Prandelli will stick to his favourite 4-3-3 formation with two midfielders, Martin Jorgensen and Massimo Gobbi, playing as attacking full-backs.

In midfield Marco Donadel should be preferred to Fabio Liverani. The trident could be formed by Mario Santana, Giampaolo Pazzini and Pablo Osvaldo. Christian Vieri is injured while Franco Semioli will sit on the bench.

Parma boss Hector Cuper is happy with the return of several regulars after suspension, but Fernando Couto is still out for the same reason. Nicola Pavarini will be preferred to Luca Bucci for the second consecutive week. In defence Giulio Falcone and Paolo Castellini will start. Andrea Gasbarroni should sit on the bench initially, while up front it looks like Reginaldo next to Cristiano Lucarelli.

Keep an eye on: Giampaolo Pazzini (Fiorentina) – Il Pazzo has to prove a point after several disappointing performances. Now that Mutu is out he will have all the attacking responsibilities on his shoulders.

Last season: Fiorentina 1-0 Parma

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

Fiorentina (probable): Frey; Jorgensen, Ujfalusi, Gamberini, Pasqual; Kuzmanovic, Donadel, Montolivo; Santana, Pazzini, Osvaldo

Parma (probable): Pavarini; Coly, Paci, Falcone, Castellini; Dessena, Morrone, Cigarini, Mariga; Reginaldo, C.Lucarelli

Ref: To follow...

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