Serie A' MD29: Parma - Palermo [19-03-08]

[dukeofdavinci]

Serie A Week 29 - 19/3/08 (19.30 UK)
Parma - Palermo

Stadio Tardini

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Relegation-threatened Parma will be looking to halt Palermo’s chase for a European spot when they welcome the Sicilian outfit to the Stadio Tardini. Both sides are currently without a win in their last three matches.

Facing the drop to Serie B, the Gialloblu took serious action last week when they axed Coach Mimmo Di Carlo. Hector Cuper, the man who almost led Inter to the Scudetto in 2002, has been given a route back into the Italian game as a result, but he’s got a tough job on his hands. Confidence in the Ducali camp is low, but they did at least earn a point against fellow strugglers Livorno in Cuper’s debut thanks to a stunning volley by Reginaldo.

The Brazilian’s ‘reward’ could be a place on the bench, as reports suggest that Giulio Falcone’s return from suspension will force him out of the side. With the defender restored to the starting XI, Paolo Castellini would probably move up to left-wing, but there’s every chance that Reginaldo will retain his place instead. Elsewhere, midfield maestro Luca Cigarini is set to return to the team in place of Andrea Pisanu, while joint-top scorer Andrea Gasbarroni – albeit with just five goals – will play just off Cristiano Lucarelli once again.

Despite boasting one of the most impressive collections of strikers in the League, Palermo have only the slightest chance of qualifying for European football again next season thanks to their inconsistent performances this term. Amauri, Fabrizio Miccoli and Edison Cavani have managed 19 goals between them, but the Rosanero defence is the third leakiest in the Division. Throw into the mix that their away form this term has been woeful and it’s hard to see them picking up a result on Wednesday night.

Nonetheless, boss Francesco Guidolin – who returned to the club for the fourth time in November after replacing Stefano Colantuono – is boosted by the return of skipper Andrea Barzagli after he missed out against Inter through injury. The Azzurri ace is expected to take Mattia Cassani’s place, with Cristian Zaccardo switching to wing-back. Roberto Guana misses out through suspension so there’s likely to be room for Fabio Caserta, while a minor injury niggle means that Cavani could come in for Amauri. Fabio Simplicio will start in midfield against his former club.

Since Palermo returned to Serie A in 2004, meetings between the sides have tended to finish all-square. The two exceptions have, however, resulted in spectacular games of football. Back in January 2006, Palermo emerged with a 4-2 victory thanks to a stunning second-half comeback after trailing 2-1 at the interval. But that paled in comparison to the clash last April, when Giuseppe Rossi inspired the Ducali to a 4-3 victory which played a vital role in their battle against relegation.

Keep an eye on: Cristiano Lucarelli (Parma) – If the burly hitman has any hope of going to Euro 2008 then he must get back in the goals in a big way.

Last season: Parma 0-0 Palermo

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


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Parma (probable): Bucci; Zenoni, Paci, Falcone, Rossi; Castellini, Mariga, Morrone, Cigarini; Gasbarroni; Lucarelli

Palermo (probable): Fontana; Biava, Barzagli, Rinaudo; Zaccardo, Tedesco, Migliaccio, Simplicio, Balzaretti; Miccoli, Amauri

Ref: To follow...

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[dukeofdavinci]

Cuper keeps his cool Tuesday 18 March, 2008

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Hector Cuper is ready for his Tardini debut, but is eager to keep a hold of his emotions in this troubled time for Parma.

He made his first appearance on the Gialloblu bench in last week’s 1-1 draw away to Livorno, a result that left them just one point clear of the relegation zone.

“Emotions must be controlled and a balance kept. We could talk about all my feelings at being back in Italy, but without doubt not on the eve of an important game, as I cannot afford it,” said the former Inter Coach who had left Serie A in 2002.

“I must be balanced, just as I ask my players to be. In order to have the confidence of everyone I have to give off an air of character and certainty. It is balance that allows me to do this.”

Parma are in dire straits and Cuper was drafted in after the dismissal of Coach Domenico Di Carlo.

“We returned from Livorno with a point. It’s not much, but it was important to get off the mark to increase confidence within the squad.

“To climb up the table quickly we need a victory, but it is not easy. In order to get there we have to work very hard, especially as Palermo are tough opponents.

“Our intention is to win the match – whether we are home or away is the same for me, because our mentality must not change.”

It would be quite a turnaround for the Ducali, who are without a single away win all season, picking up just six points in 14 games.

“Victory – this is what I ask of all the players. The idea is to be able to play for a whole 90 minutes the way we did the first 25 of the second half against Livorno.

“I know it won’t be easy, but we must always improve and then, hopefully, achieve safety.”

Parma squad: Bucci, Pavarini, Petr; Antonelli, Castellini, Couto, Falcone, Paci, Zenoni; Dessena, Gasbarroni, Mariga, Morrone, Parravicini; Morfeo, Budan, Corradi, Lucarelli, Reginaldo

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[meccano]

Parma won 2-1. goals from Cavani and a brace from super igor

Table looks alot better now

[dukeofdavinci]

Serie A Week 29 - 19/3/08 (19.30 UK)
Parma 2 - 1 Palermo
Budan 53, pen 90 (Par), Cavani 68 (Pal)
Stadio Tardini

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Hector Cuper marked his home debut with a controversial win thanks to a last-gasp spot-kick, but both teams ended the game with 10 men.

Cuper made his Tardini debut after a 1-1 draw away to Livorno and hoped to drag Parma away from the danger zone. Both teams were without a win in three games and in dire need of confidence. Giulio Falcone returned from a ban and Roberto Guana was ruled out, but Andrea Barzagli was fit again.

Parma were reduced to 10 men in the opening half-hour when two dreadful McDonald Mariga sliding tackles - both on Giulio Migliaccio - were punished with yellow cards.

The defence moved to three men and Palermo tried to make the most of it, Luca Bucci intercepting a Fabio Simplicio cross.

Alberto Fontana was surprised by a Bernardo Corradi effort that squirmed out for a corner, then Massimo Paci prevented Bosko Jankovic from turning in Amauri's lobbed assist.

Amauri tested Bucci from the edge of the box on the stroke of half-time.

However, 10-man Parma took a shock lead when Andrea Gasbarroni's set-piece found Igor Budan for a header at the back post.

Palermo finally made the most of the extra man by equalising, as Edison Cavani exchanged passes with Fabio Simplicio to tear the Parma defence apart and placed a low drive in from nine yards.

Their celebrations were short-lived, as moments later the Rosanero were also reduced to 10 men thanks to a second bookable offence for Barzagli.

The referee awarded a controversial penalty to the home side in the final minute, as Daniele Dessena seemed to lose his footing under a harmless Migliaccio challenge. Nonetheless, Budan converted to give Cuper a victory.


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Parma: Bucci; Zenoni, Falcone, Paci, Castellini; Reginaldo (Dessena 72), Mariga, Morrone, Gasbarroni (Parravicini 58); Budan (Antonelli 92), Corradi

Palermo: Fontana; Zaccardo, Barzagli, Rinaudo; Cassani, Simplicio, Migliaccio, Caserta (Bresciano 55), Balzaretti; Jankovic (Biava 71); Amauri

Ref: Bergonzi

Sent off: Mariga 27 (Par), Barzagli 70 (Pal)

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