Serie A Preview: Parma - Juventus
Who: Parma (13th, 11 points) vs. Juventus (4th, 21 points)
When: Sunday, November 11 2007, kick-off 15:00 CET
Where: Stadio Ennio Tardini, Parma
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This twelfth round clash at the Ennio Tardini in Parma features two sides with contrasting fortunes. The home side are looking set for another season spent hovering around the relegation zone while visiting Juventus are intent on making a return to the lucrative UEFA Champions League, of not more.
Of course, it is also a return for Claudio Ranieri, who less than six months ago rescued Parma from certain relegation.
Parmigiani under pressure
Ducali boss Domenico di Carlo is under immense stress to turn his side?s form around and today goes head-to-head with the man who saved Parma from relegation last season, Claudio Ranieri.
The Giallorossi would have been hoping and expecting their side to make an improvement from last season and challenge for a place near the top half of the table. They find themselves languishing once again and a mini-revival will be required just for Di Carlo to keep his job.
Defence has been Parma?s problem this season having conceded 19 times this season. Only Livorno have leaked more goals at the back and there is no doubt that Parma will struggle to contain current top scorer Trezeguet in this clash.
Going forward, I Crociati look good and despite having key marksman Igor Budan out injured, Bernado Corradi and co. have had no difficulties in finding the net. Parma will find the going tough in this one, as Juve do not look like dropping points and do not have any serious defensive weaknesses for the Gialloblu to exploit.
Containing Juventus? powerful forward line will be truly testing on Parma?s defence.
Bianconeri taking care of business
Juve have returned from Serie B and are going about their task of returning to the top of calcio with less fanfare than expected. Sitting fourth a quarter of the way through the season, the Bianconeri are poised to play Champions League football once again next year.
They are not heavy favourites for the Scudetto as they usually were during the pre-Calciopoli days but are every chance to be crowned Italian champions come May should they remain consistent for the remainder of the season and it is matches like these that Juve must always win.
With hitman David Trezeguet firing goals for fun and a sturdy backline, the Old Lady are looking good and showed their steel to score an equaliser in the Derby D?Italia against Inter last week. Not having to compete regularly in Europe will also leave the Bianconeri stars refreshed and able to feature in more league action.
Expect Juve to come out firing and with their strike power they should win this match. Parma?s defence has struggled all season and when face with Trez, Del Piero and co. they will likely crumble.
FORM GUIDE
Parma
Match Result Date Championship
Parma - Siena 2 - 2 04/11/2007 SERIE A
Palermo - Parma 1 - 1 31/10/2007 SERIE A
Parma - Livorno 3 - 2 28/10/2007 SERIE A
Sampdoria - Parma 3 - 0 21/10/2007 SERIE A
Parma - Roma 0 - 3 07/10/2007 SERIE A
Udinese - Parma 2 - 1 30/09/2007 SERIE A
Juventus
Match Result Date Championship
Juventus - Inter Milan 1 - 1 04/11/2007 SERIE A
Juventus - Empoli 3 - 0 31/10/2007 SERIE A
Napoli - Juventus 3 - 1 27/10/2007 SERIE A
Juventus - Genoa 1 - 0 21/10/2007 SERIE A
Fiorentina - Juventus 1 - 1 07/10/2007 SERIE A
Torino - Juventus 0 - 1 30/09/2007 SERIE A
TEAM NEWS
Parma
Key injuries for Parma include those to striker Igor Budan as well as Giuseppe Cardone and veteran Fernando Couto who has one match left to serve on a spitting ban. Bernado Corradi will play as a lone striker with ex-Juve player Andrea Gasbarroni behind him.
Possible Starting XI: Pavarini; Coly, Rossi, Paci, Castellini; Dessena, Parravicini, Morrone, Reginaldo, Gasbarroni; Corradi
Juventus
I Bianconeri are without central defenders Jorge Andrade and Jean-Alain Boumsong, although the latter?s absence will add strength to the Juve back four. Legrottaglie and Chiellini will take up the central defensive roles while Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved is suspended following his ugly tackle on Inter star Luis Figo. Mauro Camoranesi is a major doubt for this match and is unlikely to feature.
Possible Starting XI: Buffon; Grygera, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro; Almiron, Nocerino, Zanetti, Palladino; Del Piero, Trezeguet
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Bernado Corradi (Parma)
The former Lazio and Manchester City striker has scored four times in eight matches and will be Parma?s key man up front. Corradi is in fine form and will relish the opportunity to find the net against one of Serie A?s big boys.
David Trezeguet (Juventus) The French forward is enjoying his return to Serie A leading the Capocannoniere charts having found the net 10 times from the first 11 matches. Trez was so close to leaving Juve following their return from Serie B but signed a new deal and is now firing goals for the Bianconeri in career best form.
PREDICTION
Parma are struggling at the moment and while Juventus haven?t exactly been setting the world on fire either, they have solid form and will use this match to consolidate their top four position. Expect Juve?s class to show through.
Parma 0-3 Juventus
Chris Testa