Serie A' MD21: Parma - Atalanta [03-02-08]

[dukeofdavinci]

Serie A Week 21 - 3/2/08 (14.00 UK)
Parma - Atalanta

Stadio Tardini

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Both Parma and Atalanta have been on poor form of late and know they need to pick up some points at the Stadio Ennio Tardini if they are to keep sight of their goals for this season.

Just when things were looking great for the Bergamo boys, the bubble seems to have burst. Their 5-1 demolition of Napoli suggested they were serious contenders for a place in Europe next term as they even threatened to challenge for fourth spot, but since that fantastic result they have struggled – even if a win against Milan in their recent rearranged game breathed fresh hope.

The hospitalisation of Nerazzurri President Ivan Ruggeri has not helped matters either, with his 20-year-old son Alessandro taking temporary charge of club affairs.

Coach Luigi Del Neri will have to contend with a number of absences across the pitch if the Orobici are to turn things around in this match. Leonardo Talamonti, Costinha, Marino Defendi and George Forsyth are all stuck in the treatment room, while midfield revelation Fernando Tissone is suspended after picking up another yellow card against Reggina. That should see youngsters Daniele Capelli and Tiberio Guarente hold on to their places in the first team, while strikers Simone Inzaghi and new arrival Michele Paolucci will again have to make do with a place on the bench as Sergio Floccari gets the nod up front.

Parma boss Domenico Di Carlo finds himself a little low on defenders with both Massimo Paci and Ferdinand Coly out injured. There are also problems in midfield as youngster Daniele Dessena is yet to return to full fitness, while the experienced Stefano Morrone is banned after receiving his fourth booking of the season during last week’s 0-0 draw with Catania. Reginaldo seems to have just edged out McDonald Mariga for the spot on the right wing, while neither Cristiano Lucarelli nor Igor Budan are deemed fit enough to merit a starting berth.

Despite some all-important wins against their relegation rivals Empoli and Reggina in December, the Crociati are still in real danger. But despite being just two points above the drop, there have been plenty of promising signs for the Tardini faithful in recent weeks. Scoring twice against Scudetto holders Inter at the San Siro in a game they deserved at least a point from earned the Gialloblu a lot of respect around the peninsula and the point they secured in Sicily last week continued that trend. Back on home soil, Di Carlo will be quietly confident his Parma side can pick up a vital win against an under-the-weather Atalanta.

Keep an eye on: Sergio Floccari (Atalanta) – The competition for the lone striker’s spot in the Orobici line-up is really heating up after the return to fitness of Simone Inzaghi and the loan signing of Michele Paolucci, so Floccari knows he must start hitting the back of the net if he is to keep his place.

Last season: Parma 3-1 Atalanta

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


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Parma (probable): Bucci; Zenoni, Falcone, Couto, Castellini; Reginaldo, Parravicini, Cigarini, Pisanu; Gasbarroni; Corradi

Atalanta (probable): Coppola; Rivalta, Carrozzieri, Capelli, Bellini; Ferreira Pinto, Guarente, De Ascentis, Langella; Doni; Floccari

Ref: To follow...

channel4.com - Football Italia

[D-Kin]

Gigi wary of Ducali danger Sunday 3 February, 2008

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Atalanta Coach Luigi Del Neri fancies the Orobici’s chances at the Stadio Tardini today, but he isn’t taking Parma lightly.

Del Neri’s Bergamo outfit are sitting in 10th place, but have started 2008 in inconsistent form.

After defeats against Roma and Genoa, Atalanta stunned Milan in their rescheduled Week 12 fixture but threw away a 2-0 lead in the last 10 minutes to draw 2-2 with struggling Reggina last weekend.

“We lost two points against Reggina but this isn’t a bad period,” Del Neri maintained. “We are on good form at the moment.”

The Nerazzurri travel to Emilia-Romagna to take on a Parma side facing a relegation battle, but buoyed by the arrival of Azzurri marksman Cristiano Lucarelli.

“Parma are a tight side who have reinforced themselves with Lucarelli and they will soon have Igor Budan back,” the Atalanta tactician explained.

“In Serie A every game is difficult, but this one will certainly be very difficult and we will have to give our all if we are to take the three points.”

Del Neri may use new signing Riccardo Fissore – a powerful central defender who arrived from Vicenza in the transfer window – but is unlikely to start without the pairing of Moris Carrozzieri and Daniele Capelli.

Experienced striker Cristiano Doni will be wear the captain’s armband after the departure of Antonino Bernadini.

Atalanta (probable): Coppola; Rivalta, Carrozzieri, Capelli, Bellini; Ferreira Pinto, Guarente, De Ascentis, Langella; Doni, Floccari

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