Serie A' MD16: Parma - Reggina [16-12-07]

[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 16 - 16/12/07 (14.00 UK)
Parma - Reggina

Stadio Tardini

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There’s a genuine relegation six-pointer in store at the Stadio Tardini as Reggina arrive to face fellow strugglers Parma.

Gialloblu boss Domenico Di Carlo claimed that he was happy with his side’s performance last week, despite a 1-0 defeat against Napoli. He won’t be saying the same here if the Ducali fail to claim maximum points.

A vital win over Empoli in Week 14 allowed the Crociati some breathing space, but that has now disappeared. It is looking increasingly like another nail-biting battle for Serie A status for a side that dream of so much more.

Reggina’s resurgence under wizened tactician Renzo Ulivieri ground to a halt in a 3-0 defeat at Sampdoria. The postponement of the Calbrians’ game against Milan may have been a blessing, but it also meant that they had far too long to dwell on their hammering at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

While Ulivieri is a wily Coach and he knows his way around a relegation dogfight, he will be feeling the pressure as he returns to the side he was in charge of in 2002. While he will have set out for a win, Reggina are yet to triumph on their travels and know that a defeat here could leave them ominously stranded at the bottom.

Parma have a sizeable injury list. Key striker Igor Budan isn’t expected back in action until the New Year. Defenders Paolo Castellini, Ferdinand Coly and Marco Rossi are sidelined, leaving Alessio Tombesi to make his first start. Andrea Gasbarroni remains out of action.

The visitors travel north without Icelandic midfielder Emil Hallfredsson, Portuguese stopper Angelo Garcia and steady holding player Luca Tognozzi.

Keep an eye on: Massimo Paci (Parma) – The wing-back hit the winner against Empoli a fortnight ago and was busy against Napoli.

Last season: Parma 2-2 Reggina

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

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Parma (probable): Bucci; Falcone, Couto, Paci, Tombesi; Dessena, Parravicini, Cigarini, Pisanu, Reginaldo; Corradi

Reggina (probable): Campagnolo; Cherubin, Valdez, Aronica; Stadsgaard, Vigiani, Cascione, Missiroli, Modesto; Ceravolo, Amoruso

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[dukeofdavinci]

Parma 3 - 0 Reggina
Corradi 26 (P), Pisanu 49 (P), Paci 66 (P)
Stadio Tardini

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Parma picked up a crucial victory to clamber up the standings and leave Reggina floundering.

This was a real six-pointer, though Reggina had the benefit of a week's rest as last Sunday's match with Milan was rescheduled due to the Club World Cup. It was a return to the Tardini for Renzo Ulivieri, who was in charge of Parma in 2002.

Bernardo Corradi just failed to get his head to a Ferdinand Coly cross in the opening minutes, while Alvarez wasted a good chance set up by Nicola Ceravolo following Giulio Falcone's defensive error.

Andrea Pisanu swung a good chance high and Reginaldo horribly scuffed an opportunity created for him by Corradi.

Parma took a deserved lead when Corradi steered a Reginaldo cross in at the near post with a trademark header. The former Manchester City man celebrated with a rather odd pair of red sunglasses.

Falcone got just enough of a touch to deny Nicola Amoruso in the six-yard box and Corradi's diving header from an Andrea Gasbarroni cross skimmed the woodwork.

Corradi turned provider on 40 minutes, but Stefano Morrone cracked his finish against the outside of the post.

Straight after the restart it was 2-0, as Gasbarroni sent Reginaldo running and he rolled across for Pisanu to come sliding in with his fourth goal of the season.

Novakovic kept the scoreline down with a fine save to deny Reginaldo on a Gasbarroni assist.

Massimo Paci put the result beyond doubt by flicking Gasbarroni's free kick into the far top corner off the back of his head.

Novakovic continued to impress on his Serie A debut, arching his back to tip Morrone's lob out for a corner.

Amoruso was the last to give in for Reggina and his header from a yard clipped the crossbar.


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Parma: Bucci; Coly, Falcone (Couto 59), Paci, Zenoni; Morrone, Cigarini; Reginaldo (Matteini 71), Gasbarroni (Dessena 86); Pisanu; Corradi

Reggina: Novakovic; Alvarez (Stadsgaard 81), Valdez, Cherubin, Aronica; Vigiani, Cascione (Cozza 55), Missiroli, Modesto; Ceravolo (Tullberg 53); Amoruso

Ref: Farina

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