Serie A: Parma - Torino [21-01-07] - TalkSoccer

**D-Kin** · 17-01-2007, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Serie A Week 20 - 21/1/07 (14.00 UK)
Parma - Torino

Stadio Tardini

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Parma are searching for their first win since October as an inconsistent Torino side arrive at the Stadio Tardini.

The pressure is building on Parma Coach Stefano Pioli in his maiden Serie A campaign. Last weekend’s 2-0 defeat at Empoli extended the Gialloblu’s winless run to 10 games and saw Reggina overhaul the Ducali in spite of an 11-point handicap.

Pioli’s men are now second bottom and are four points away from safety. Although the Crociati recovered from a poor start last term, it is essential that they start winning sooner rather than later or the gap may prove too big.

Torino’s season is in the balance. Defeat against Inter in Week 19 saw Alberto Zaccheroni’s side slide back into mid-table after a brief flirtation with the Champions League places. While the Toro faithful will be dreaming of European football, they will be only too aware that they could just as easily be dragged into the relegation dogfight.

The Granata have struggled to click up front away from home this term and have only found the net seven times on their travels. However, they are certainly creating chances and have hit the woodwork 12 times already this year. Zac will see this as a great chance to iron out their finishing problems against Serie A’s leakiest defence.

Parma can at least take heart from the encounter between the sides on the opening day of the season. Torino needed a last-gasp Roberto Stellone equaliser to grab a fortuitous point that day.

Pioli must contend with a number of absentees. Ferdinand Coly is suspended after his dismissal against Empoli last weekend. Defender Massimo Paci and Luca Cigarini are also banned. Fernando Couto is back in training but isn’t match fit and young striker Daniele Paponi is sidelined. Reserve goalkeeper Alfonso De Lucia has a fractured cheekbone, but ex-Torino veteran Luca Bucci is fit to keep the gloves.

Zaccheroni returns to his native Emilia-Romagna with a strong squad. Ex-Parma midfielder Simone Barone returns from suspension as does Gianluca Comotto. Christian Abbiati is suspended leaving Massimo Taibi to fill in between the posts. Andrea Ardito is also banned. Giuseppe Pancaro is likely to start on the bench after a woeful performance against Inter. Ivorian forward Axel Konan is the only injury. Stefano Fiore is set to warm the bench despite making his mark as a substitute last weekend.

Man on fire: Alessandro Rosina (Torino) – The Azzurrini star has been pivotal for Torino so far this term. Didn’t find the net against Inter last week but he looked bright and full of ideas.

Last season: Not played

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

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Parma (probable): Bucci; Ferronetti, Perna, Contini, Castellini; Dessena, Grella, Pisanu, Morfeo, Muslimovic; Budan

Torino (probable): Taibi; Di Loreto, Cioffi, Franceschini; Comotto, Barone, De Ascentis, Balestri; Rosina, Lazetic, Stellone

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**meccano** · 17-01-2007, 08:15 PM

I feel we could sneak this now we have Rossi in the ranks!

**D-Kin** · 18-01-2007, 12:53 AM

Do you expect him to start?

**meccano** · 18-01-2007, 06:12 PM

Rossi will have to play every game if we are to stay up ownerless, I just hope Pioli doesn't use him as backup to Budan...

**D-Kin** · 18-01-2007, 10:40 PM

Who will miss out then because I thought you were playing a 4-4-1-1 of some sorts with Morfeo supporting Budan?

**meccano** · 20-01-2007, 09:09 PM

It now looks like Rossi may play on the left of a 4231 or take mimmo's place in a 4411 or partner Budan directly

**D-Kin** · 20-01-2007, 09:27 PM

Either way he needs to play.

**meccano** · 20-01-2007, 11:37 PM

If he doesn't Pioli needs his head checked, he can't afford to treat him like he treats Paponi

**D-Kin** · 21-01-2007, 02:00 PM

Parma: Bucci, Paci, Couto, Perna, Ferronetti, Castellini, Grella, Bolano, Morfeo, G, Rossi, Budan
Subs: Virgili, M, Rossi, Bocchetti, Dessena, Savi, Gasbarroni, Muslimovic

Torino: Taibi, Brevi, Cioffi, Franceschini, Comotto, Balestri, Barone, De Ascentis, Rosina, Fiore, Muzzi
Subs: Fontana, Pancaro, Gallo, Ogbonna Obienza, Lazetic, Abbruscato, Stellone

**D-Kin** · 21-01-2007, 02:05 PM

Rossi starts then.

**D-Kin** · 21-01-2007, 02:15 PM

Budan goes close for Parma.

**D-Kin** · 21-01-2007, 02:19 PM

Rossi forces a save out of Taibi, he's looking sharp.

**D-Kin** · 21-01-2007, 02:35 PM

Parma appear to be on top, Budan and Rossi are linking up well.

**meccano** · 21-01-2007, 02:42 PM

Pioli could not have picked a more defensive formation after stating to the press countless time we are going for the win......

**D-Kin** · 21-01-2007, 02:45 PM

I think he's looking for a 1-0 win on the counter-attack.