Serie A' MD12: Parma - Juventus [11-11-07]

[dukeofdavinci]

Serie A Week 12 - 11/11/07 (14.00 UK)
Parma - Juventus

Stadio Tardini

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parma boss Domenico Di Carlo is under pressure and will surely not be looking forward to hosting Juventus at the Stadio Tardini.

Di Carlo’s maiden Serie A voyage could end in shipwreck unless the Ducali turn things around soon. The struggling Emilia-Romagna outfit had hoped to emerge as UEFA Cup challengers this term, but they look set to face a relegation dogfight.

Shipping a late equaliser to fellow strugglers Siena last weekend could prove costly and has seen the pressure increase on the ex-Mantova tactician. While he may not be expected to deliver victory against Juve, a defeat could lead to the axe. Parma look menacing going forward, but their leaky defence is an Achilles heel having seen the ball hit their net 19 times so far in this campaign.

Claudio Ranieri comes up against the side he saved from the drop last season. The Roman tactician can expect a warm welcome, but the Bianconeri will be all business as they go in search of three probable points.

Juve showed commendable tenacity to battle back for a draw in last weekend’s Derby d’Italia and are emerging as genuine title contenders. The Cadetti champions are just four points back from leaders Inter and are settling in the Champions League qualification places. Ranieri’s men now have a two-point cushion over fifth-placed Udinese and have the ideal chance to pile the pressure on the Zebrette as they travel to Fiorentina.

The history books make ominous reading for Parma. They have already lost 3-1 to Juventus at the Stadio Tardini in the Coppa Italia this term and have a miserable record against the Old Lady. Their last win came in March 2002 and there have been 10 unsuccessful clashes between the two sides since.

Di Carlo is still without the injured Giuseppe Cardone and Igor Budan as well as defender Fernando Couto, who is serving the final game of a ban for spitting in the Week 9 game against Livorno. Ex-Juventus duo Massimo Paci and Andrea Gasbarroni are set to start.

Nicola Legrottaglie is set to begin alongside Giorgio Chiellini in defence. Jean-Alain Boumsong is on the road to recovery but not ready for action while Jorge Andrade won’t be back before the New Year. Pavel Nedved is banned after his booking against Inter for the challenge that left Luis Figo injured. Alessandro Del Piero celebrates his 33rd birthday on Friday and will look to mark it with a goal.

Keep an eye on: Bernardo Corradi (Parma) – The Tuscan hitman has exploded to life since returning to the peninsula with four goals in eight games.

Last season: Not played

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


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parma (probable): Pavarini; Coly, Rossi, Paci, Castellini; Dessena, Parravicini, Morrone, Reginaldo, Gasbarroni; Corradi

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Grygera, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro; Camoranesi, Nocerino, Zanetti, Palladino; Del Piero, Trezeguet

Ref: To follow...

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Parma have a lot of fight in them, this won't be easy.

If Chiellini and the rest of the defence play like they did against Inter then it'll give us a chance.

Hopefully Palladino and Camoranesi start.

[D-Kin]

Corradi admires Juve mentality Friday 9 November, 2007

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bernardo Corradi has identified Juventus’ secret weapon as his Parma side prepare to host the Old Lady.

It is a daunting test for Domenico Di Carlo’s men as Juve have enjoyed a dream start while the Ducali are stuttering at the wrong end of the table.

Corradi is a man on form with four goals in eight games since returning to the peninsula from Manchester City, but he understands the nature of the task at hand.

“Juventus experienced life in the Cadetti and came up with the determination of a newly promoted side,” the Tuscan hitman told Sky Sports Italia.

“They have a great side who went down to Serie B with them. Players like Gigi Buffon, Pavel Nedved and Mauro Camoranesi have never fought so hard.”

While they face a stern test, Corradi insists that the Crociati have a chance if they give their all.

“We need to play Parma-style,” he explained.

“That means trying to outrun the opposition and putting in the effort to overcome the gap in technical ability that you get with the likes of Juve, Milan and Inter.”

Parma have already taken a point from Milan this term and would be delighted to repeat the performance they put in to grab a 1-1 draw at the San Siro in Week 4.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Camoranesi is a doubt after picking up a bruised calf.
channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Ranieri calls spirit of Lippi's Juve Saturday 10 November, 2007

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Claudio Ranieri talked up Juventus’ Scudetto chances by comparing this team to Marcello Lippi’s first era at the club as he returns to face Parma.

“Our primary quality is that we fight like a provincial club and are accustomed to that kind of focus,” said the tactician.

“I like to think of Lippi’s first Juve squad, as they set an example we must follow. At the time I complimented Lippi and told him ‘You weren’t the best, but you became the best on the day.’ Only by focusing on that aspect can we compete with the others for the title.”

Lippi went on to win the World Cup with Italy, but began his Bianconeri career in 1994, immediately taking the Serie A title and Coppa Italia.

The current side’s chances of glory were boosted by a 1-1 draw with leaders Inter last weekend and the top four teams are now crammed within a four-point radius.

“We have been able to slow Inter down, but now we need to keep up the pace so we don’t fall off that wagon,” smiled Ranieri.

To do so he must conquer the Stadio Tardini, where he became a hero last season by saving Parma from an almost certain relegation.

“One is always happy to return to a place where people cared about you. Seeing familiar faces also allows you to think back on wonderful memories, but this is a game we will try to win.

“I have already returned here in the Coppa Italia this term and in that opening half-hour we were pinned back into our own half. Parma are playing well and really press opponents.”

Juve ended up winning that Coppa Italia tie 3-1 back on August 29 and Ranieri is boosted by the return to fitness of Mauro Camoranesi.

The Italian international pulled up during yesterday’s training session with a bruised calf muscle, but medical staff gave him the all-clear and he could even start on Sunday, exchanging places mid-match with ex-Parma winger Marco Marchionni.

“Neither of them have 90 minutes in their legs. It could be time for Domenico Criscito at left-back, but Zdenek Grygera also knows how to take on that role. We will see.”

Christian Molinaro is added to the injury list along with Jorge Andrade and Jean-Alain Boumsong, while Raffaele Palladino should step in for the suspended Pavel Nedved.

Juventus squad: Buffon, Birindelli, Chiellini, Almiron, Zebina, Zanetti, Salihamidzic, Camoranesi, Iaquinta, Del Piero, Belardi, Vanstrattan, Trezeguet, Criscito, Palladino, Grygera, Nocerino, Olivera, Tiago, Marchionni, Legrottaglie

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Di Carlo: We can take Juve Sunday 11 November, 2007

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parma are the underdogs at the Tardini, but Mimmo Di Carlo assures his men they can defeat the mighty Juventus.

“We have to believe,” said the Coach. “Juve are very solid and clinical, but we too are going through a positive period of form. We have to rely on our pace, hard work and spirit of sacrifice to get the better of them.”

It is a special game for the Parma fans, as Claudio Ranieri returns to the Tardini after he salvaged the club from relegation in May.

“It is absolutely not a personal challenge, we all have to compliment Ranieri on what he achieved,” insisted his replacement.

“Last season’s escape will remain in the history of this club. We are similar in certain respects, but I am still young and he has so much experience.”

The Bianconeri are on the lookout for maximum points to keep up the pressure on leaders Inter, but Di Carlo has a plan.

“We need to close down every space and not allow Juventus to move. This means keeping the tempo high and making the most of the few chances we’ll be given.

“It is true we are missing some players, but whoever goes out there gives 150 per cent. We have the chance to give some consistency to our results and we’ve got to try.”

Giuseppe Cardone and Igor Budan are out of action, but Domenico Morfeo has recovered.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[azzurri]

Robbed, again. 2-2.

Juve were poor for the majority of the game, but they were robbed of point's by more shitty refereeing.

Very soft penalty given to Parma, and a legit Iaquinta goal disallowed. Parma got a harsh red card late in the game, but it had no bearing on the result, in comparison to the other 2 incidents.

[llewelyn]

azzurri, how did criscito play? I'm glad ranieri gave him the start after molinaro's inconsistent play.

[meccano]

Originally Posted by azzurri

Robbed, again. 2-2.

Juve were poor for the majority of the game, but they were robbed of point's by more shitty refereeing.

Very soft penalty given to Parma, and a legit Iaquinta goal disallowed. Parma got a harsh red card late in the game, but it had no bearing on the result, in comparison to the other 2 incidents.

I'm sorry you were robbed? how many times this season have Parma played well only to concede a goal in the last few minutes due to some dodgy decisions, at least four times.

Parma were 2-0 up and you still say YOU were robbed??

[azzurri]

Originally Posted by llewelyn

azzurri, how did criscito play? I'm glad ranieri gave him the start after molinaro's inconsistent play.

Unfortunately, not to well. Unsurprisingly, he looks much more comfortable at cb.

He need's to put on some muscle. He has all the skills needed at cb except his physique lets him down.

[azzurri]

Originally Posted by meccano

I'm sorry you were robbed? how many times this season have Parma played well only to concede a goal in the last few minutes due to some dodgy decisions, at least four times.

Parma were 2-0 up and you still say YOU were robbed??

Completely irrelevant.

Do the math.

1 of your goals was a very soft penalty, and Juve had a perfectly legit goal called back. Minus those 2 calls, 3-1 Juve.

Just for arguements sake, lets say that is was a penalty, u still should have lost 3-2 with Iaquinta's goal.

I could care less if u were up 2-0, because u couldn't hold it, and in the end escaped with a pt because of shitty refereeing.

[Jager]

I don't understand why this game wasn't cancelled? Why were the Roma, Inter and Milan matches cancelled? So confusing.

[LAF]

Do you research bud. Atlanta fans were causing havoc in the stands smashing things etc. so in the interest of saftey that game is cancelled. Inter were playing Lazio and it was a mark of respect for the poor guy who got shot. And the reason for Roma is the fact Ultras are now running riot around Rome police stations beating them up.


Anyway again we get bullshit calls. When parity happens in Serie A the Pope will come out the closet.

It's madness!

[Jager]

Originally Posted by LAF

Do you research bud. Atlanta fans were causing havoc in the stands smashing things etc. so in the interest of saftey that game is cancelled. Inter were playing Lazio and it was a mark of respect for the poor guy who got shot. And the reason for Roma is the fact Ultras are now running riot around Rome police stations beating them up.

It's madness!

Those fans in Roma are more likely Lazio fans.

I think the fact Juve Ultras were somewhat involved in this, they would of asked for cancellation of this game. However all is cool.