Serie A Preview: Parma-Juventus
1/5/2005 10:56:00 PM
As the second half of the Serie A season commences, Parma know that nothing less that a dramatic turn around in form will suffice if they are to remain in Italy’s top flight. The Bianconeri visit the Tardini after a well-earned break, with renewed energy they should be hard to contain.
BACKGROUND
After an astonishingly poor first half of the season, Parma have been left languishing in the bottom three of Serie A. With only 12 points from 15 games, Gialloblu fans fear the worst for their team. Whilst Parma are hardly prolific scorers, it is their defence that has caused so many problems during this troubled campaign. With such a young squad it is inevitable that players will be prone to lapses of concentration and slip-ups that have cost the club vital points. However, the calibre of the Gialloblu’s youngsters suggests that the team should be doing far better. With highly coveted under 21 stars such as Bovo and Bonera in their side Parma should be performing much better at the back. The same can be said of their attack, which has managed a measly 15-goal haul so far. Star striker Alberto Gilardino is one of the most sought after strikers in Europe, with the likes of Real Madrid, AC Milan and Juventus interested but has failed to find the consistency of last season. Without a regular goal scorer Parma have struggled and the fans will be hoping that key players such as Gilardino and Bresciano find their scoring touch as soon as possible.
Parma’s performances seem to have improved under new manager Pietro Carmignani although it is still rather too early to tell. The tactician was brought in to replace former manager Silvio Baldini who paid the price for his teams slump this season. If Carmignani can get his side to repeat the form that saw his side win 3-2 against Besiktas in the UEFA Cup there may yet be hope for the Gialloblu.
Juventus’ start to the season could not be more different to Parma’s. The Bianconeri have been leading the way throughout the campaign thanks to Fabio Capello’s intelligent tactics and hard-working squad, but newfound defensive strength is they factor in their success. The acquisition of Fabio Cannavaro from Inter has helped turn Juve’s defence into the most miserly unit in Italy, whilst Emerson in midfield has ensured the team gives little possession away. However, Alessandro Del Piero is still looking for his best form after a series of injury setbacks, whilst his partnership with Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still in its infancy. Despite this minor setback, Juventus have so far managed to score the goals needed to see them at the top of the league. Whilst continuing to pick up vital victories in the league, Juventus have looked shaky in recent games and were criticised by sections of the media for their performance against Milan. Capello has stated many times that his team were starting to tire after their amazing start to the season and the tactician will be grateful for their recent break. With Juventus at almost full strength, and their key players rested, Parma will be in for a tough test at the Tardini stadium.
FORM GUIDE
Parma: LLLLWL
Parma’s form looks like that of a team destined for relegation. Carmignani will need to get the most out of his hugely under performing squad if they are to remain in Serie A.
Juventus: WDWDWD
The Turin side have slipped in recent weeks but have still managed to pick up vital points despite their minor blip. The Bianconeri should now begin another winning cycle.
TEAM NEWS
Parma:
Cardone, Degano, Savi and Bolano are unavailable through injury. The impressive Pisanu and Contini are suspended.
Juventus:
David Trezeguet is still recovering from a shoulder operation but is close to a return. Thuram is suspended and will be replaced by Montero at the back. Aside from both Frenchmen, Capello has a full squad of players to pick from and will most probably pick the same side that drew with Milan.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Parma:
Alberto Gilardino has had a mixed 2005, winning the European under 21 Championships and finishing as the most impressive player was a highlight, along with finishing as the top scoring Italian in Serie A. However this season has seen the youngster struggle to live up to his growing reputation as he has failed to score goals. If the youngster bounces back to his best he will be a massive threat to the Bianconeri, as he has the ability to turn over any defence.
Juventus:
Ibrahimovic could not have asked for a better introduction to the Juventus fans, as his fine performances endeared him almost instantly. Some have likened the Swede to the legendary Marco Van Basten and its easy to see why. Zlatan has the quality to terrorise Parma’s struggling defence.
PROBABLE STARTING XIs
Parma (5-3-1-1):
Frey - Ferronetti, Bovo, Bonera, Cannavaro - Potenza, Grella, Bresciano - Simplicio, Morfeo, Gilardino
Juventus (4-4-2):
Buffon - Zebina, Montero, F.Cannavaro, Zambrotta - Camoranesi, Blasi, Emerson, Nedved - Del Piero, Ibrahimovic.
PREDICTION
Juventus should easily cope with Parma and begin 2005 in style.
Parma 0-2 Juventus
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