++ [ originally posted by Pendir ] ++
Even though Parma is going through difficult times now, that doesn't reflect their game.
I may be a Juve fan first and foremost, but there's something I really love about Parma. And it's not just because Juve signed so many great Parma expatriates over the years.
To me, Parma represents the "canary in the mine" for the health of Lega Calcio. They don't have the major media market to amass a major budget, they never have the big enough budget to sign top-flight players, but they always play a dangerous game no matter who they are up against. They invest in less expensive youth and often serve as a sort of incubator for future Serie A talent.
Particularly given all their difficulties this year (I mean, financial/front office crises, they lose both Mutu and Adriano over last year's squad, totally in the red, etc.), that they managed to be where they are is astounding. I just wish more teams learned from them and didn't resort to buying their way to victory.
As for this Sunday's match? I think that depends on what Juve defense decides to show up: the embarrassing muff/Montero ejected defense, or a relatively solid one where Buffon covers for their limited mistakes. It all depends on how many offensive opportunities we leave them, as Parma excells at taking advantage of what little they are offered sometimes.
I have hopes for a pretty solid Juve defensive effort this time. And while lousy against our peers, we've done well this season against teams not quite in our ranks.
I forecast 2-1 Juve, with a slight chance of 2-2 draw.