Serie A: Parma - Empoli [02-12-07]

[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 14 - 2/12/07 (14.00 UK)
Parma-Empoli

Stadio Ennio Tardini

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Alberto Malesani makes his Empoli debut at his old hunting ground, but it could well be Domenico Di Carlo’s last appearance at the Tardini.

It’s tough out there for a Coach and nobody knows that more than Gigi Cagni, who took Empoli to the UEFA Cup for the first time in their history last season, but was unceremoniously sacked this week. The Tuscans have seemed a shadow of their former selves and picked up just one point from their last four games, but this term they had also beaten Milan at the San Siro and fought back from 2-0 down to hold Roma. The real reason behind Cagni’s dismissal may lie in his refusal to field Under-21 sensation Sebastian Giovinco from the start and we should see that rectified at the Tardini. Malesani is no stranger to this stadium, having been the Parma boss from 1998 up until his dismissal in 2001.

Cagni may soon be able to swap notes on how to pack your suitcase with current Parma Coach Di Carlo, who is the hot favourite to be the next Serie A tactician given his marching orders. With just three draws from their last four games, the Gialloblu risk sliding back into the drop zone and so this is a crucial relegation dogfight. Veteran defender Fernando Couto sits out a ban, while Igor Budan, Giuseppe Cardone and Marco Rossi are still nursing injuries. Domenico Morfeo has been frozen out following a row with Di Carlo and the staff. Their last-gasp 1-0 defeat at Lazio on Sunday was a real blow to the confidence and infuriated President Tommaso Ghirardi, as it has been a trend to drop points in stoppages. At least the Coach has history on his side, as Empoli have lost all six of their Serie A visits to Parma, scoring just one goal and conceding a whopping 13!

It will be a great game to see Italy’s new talent shining through, with several Under-21 internationals on show. Among the Azzurrini taking centre stage are Andrea Pisanu, Luca Cigarini, Claudio Marchisio, Giovinco, Nicola Pozzi, Andrea Raggi and Lino Marzoratti, but Empoli man Felice Piccolo is nursing a muscular problem. Daniele Adani is out until the new year due to a thigh injury and during training this week Malesani experimented with a 3-4-1-2 system that saw Ighli Vannucchi take a trequartista role.

Keep an eye on: Sebastian Giovinco (Empoli) – Hopefully Malesani will finally give this jewel the room to show what he can do at club level as well as on the international stage.

Last season: Parma 3-1 Empoli

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

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Parma (probable): Bucci; Coly, Falcone, Paci, Castellini; Morrone, Cigarini; Gasbarroni, Pisanu, Reginaldo; Corradi

Empoli (probable): Bassi; Raggi, Pratali, Marzoratti; Busce, Marchisio, Moro, Tosto; Vannucchi; Pozzi, Saudati

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Aladino]

1-0 Goal di Paci! Good header, he jumped way aove everyone, it looked like there was hardly any effort in him it was so easy.

If anyone catches the celebrations look at Corradi and Paci, lokos like Paci tried to kiss Corradi on the lips...

[D-Kin]

HT 1-0 to Parma.

[D-Kin]

FT 1-0 to Parma.

An important win.

[dukeofdavinci]

Serie A Week 14 - 2/12/07 (14.00 UK)
Parma 1 - 0 Empoli
Paci 20 (P)
Stadio Ennio Tardini

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Alberto Malesani's Empoli debut was ruined in his old hunting ground at the Stadio Tardini.

Malesani was caught between the familiar and the new as he made his debut on the Empoli bench in a stadium where he worked from 1998-2001. Parma boss Mimmo Di Carlo knew he needed a win today to avoid following Gigi Cagni on to the unemployment register, but was still without Igor Budan, Giuseppe Cardone, Marco Rossi and the suspended Fernando Couto.

Empoli had previously lost all six of their Serie A visits to the Tardini, scoring just once and conceding a whopping 13 goals. Daniele Balli anticipated Andrea Pisanu when a lucky ricochet seemed to set up a good chance for the home side.

The Gialloblu made that 14 within 20 minutes. A controversial corner kick decision went their way and the ball was floated to Massimo Paci for a towering header.

Vittorio Tosto should have done better when Ighli Vannucchi's corner reached him at the back post, then Nicola Pozzi fired over from a Luca Saudati assist.

There was tension on the stroke of half-time, as Pozzi's lob had sailed over Luca Bucci and Parma required a Paci goalling clearance to keep them in front.

After the restart Balli did well to palm away a fierce rising Andrea Gasbarroni angled drive and Pozzi's header skimmed the target.

Paci went for glory when he probably should have left Luca Cigarini's cross for the better placed Andrea Pisanu. Domenico Morfeo returned after a row with Coach Mimmo Di Carlo had threatened to see him sold in January, but he wasted a great chance to score from close range, scuffing the ball.


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Parma: Bucci; Coly, Falcone, Paci, Castellini (Zenoni 77); Morrone, Cigarini; Reginaldo (Matteini 64), Gasbarroni (Morfeo 72), Pisanu; Corradi

Empoli: Balli; Raggi, Marzoratti, Pratali (Abate 80); Buscè, Giacomazzi (Marianini 65), Moro, Tosto; Vannucchi (Giovinco 71); Pozzi, Saudati

Ref: Romeo

the refs name is interesting

[D-Kin]

Empoli are in serious trouble now.

[D-Kin]

Game highlights:

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