Serie A' MD17: Parma - Genoa [22-12-07]

[dukeofdavinci]

Serie A Week 17 - 22/12/07 (17.00 UK)
Genoa - Parma

Stadio Ferraris

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This game could still be a relegation dogfight as a stuttering Genoa side host a Parma outfit who travel badly at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

The situation is starting to look ominous for Genoa. The Rossoblu were highly fortunate to snatch a late draw against Empoli last weekend and now have no win in nine. The pressure has been on since Week 15’s 3-1 defeat against Siena and boss Gian Piero Gasperini will only be able to relax over Christmas if he secures three points here.

The December break is a period when many clubs opt to make coaching changes and President Enrico Preziosi could be forgiven for feeling that a change of direction is needed. The newly promoted Grifoni haven’t faced a relegation battle for a long time, but they will surely be facing one if they can’t get the better of sides like Parma.

Parma breathed a sizeable sigh of relief with last weekend’s 3-0 thrashing of Reggina, but they need to show some consistency if they are to shake off the grim spectre of Serie B. Coach Domenico Di Carlo must still be feeling the pressure under demanding President Tommaso Ghirardi and will feel his glare if the Ducali slip up here.

The men from Emilia-Romagna badly need to improve on their travels. So far this term, Parma are yet to record an away win and have only scored three times away from the Stadio Tardini. It’s a miserable record and one that will see them embedded in the relegation mire unless they can make a stark improvement.

The two sides haven’t met in 12 years, but the last two occasions that they have squared off ended in stalemates. However, Parma will remember an emphatic 4-0 win at Marassi in 1994.

Gasperini is without Brazilian midfielder Sacramento Danilo and suspended stopper Cesare Bovo, who is an ex-Parma player. Another former Gialloblu star Marco Di Vaio will probably also sit this one out with an injury, but he could be handed a seat on the bench.

The visitors have a strong squad and temperamental midfielder Domenico Morfeo is still available, despite recent rows with Di Carlo. Key striker Igor Budan won’t return until the New Year and defenders Marco Rossi and Paolo Castellini remain sidelined.

Keep an eye on: Massimo Paci (Parma) – The 29-year-old wing-back is solid in defence, but is winning headlines for his successful forward forays.

Last season: Not played

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


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Genoa (probable): Rubinho; Bega, Lucarelli, Santos; Rossi, Paro, Juric, Fabiano; Leon, Borriello, Sculli

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

Ref: To follow...

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[D-Kin]

Genoa won 1-0.

Borriello with the goal, a penalty.

[D-Kin]

Serie A Week 17 - 22/12/07 (17.00 UK)
Genoa 1 - 0 Parma
Borriello pen 42 (G)
Stadio Ferraris

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Marco Borriello's spot-kick proved enough to beat Parma 1-0, ending Genoa's nine-match winless streak.

Both Coaches were skating on thin ice going into this game. Gian Piero Gasperini's side were without a win in nine, while Domenico Di Carlo's men had only scored three times away from the Stadio Tardini. These teams hadn't crossed paths in 12 years, but Cesare Bovo was suspended for the Grifone.

Luca Bucci managed to capture an Omar Milanetto free kick that took a touch off Gaetano De Rosa, then the veteran Parma goalkeeper intercepted Julio Cesar Leon's acrobatic assist for Matteo Paro and a low Leon strike.

Santos charged down a good solo effort from Andrea Gasbarroni, but it was mostly Genoa going forward in the first half. Another Milanetto free kick found Marco Borriello totally unmarked at the back post, but Bucci performed a stunning reaction save from point-blank range.

Borriello's looping header skimmed the crossbar, but on 41 minutes the pressure finally paid off. Massimo Paci hauled down Borriello as a corner came in and the striker got back up to take the penalty himself, sending Bucci the wrong way with the inside of his left foot.

Matters didn't change much after the restart, as Borriello got to the byeline and cut back for Giuseppe Sculli to just miss the connection.

Rubinho got down well to block Stefano Morroe's low drive and Luca Cigarini went straight for goal with a free kick that skimmed the woodwork thanks to the lightest fingertip save.

Genoa nearly doubled their lead, though, when Borriello intercepted a poor Zenoni backpass, but Bucci made up for the error. In the final minutes substitute Ndiaye Papa Waigo also went close on the counter, Zenoni diving in to charge down the finish.

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Genoa: Rubinho; Konko, De Rosa, Santos; Masiello, Paro, Milanetto, Juric; Leon (Papa Waigo 77), Borriello, Sculli (Fabiano 87)

Parma: Bucci; Coly, Falcone, Paci, Zenoni; Morrone (Dessena 88), Cigarini; Reginaldo (Paponi 78), Gasbarroni (Matteini 57), Pisanu; Corradi

Ref: Girardi

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