Parma and Empoli will look to kick-start their respective seasons on Sunday afternoon in Serie A action with both teams languishing in and around the relegation zone prior to the encounter.
Pressure has been mounting on Gialloblu coach Roberto Donadoni in recent weeks with his side’s only points coming in two victories against Chievo and the 2-0 defeat of Inter in week 10.
However, after the 7-0 humiliation at the hands of Juventus in week 11, questions have returned as to whether Donadoni should remain on the Parma bench for much longer as the former Italy coach struggles to obtain results.
Empoli have struggled in recent weeks too, although their fortunes have improved following a 2-1 victory over high flying Lazio to end a run of five games without victory.
Coach Maurizio Sarri will look to capitalise on Parma’s misfortune and will be confident his side will be able to get something out of the game to move away from the relegation zone.
Due to Empoli’s promotion from Serie B last season, the two side’s have not met since March 2009 in a game which finished 4-1 to a Parma.
Both sides featured in Serie B that season following Parma’s relegation and the Crociati have had the better of Empoli in recent years with the Tuscans earning only one draw against the Emilia-Romagna outfit in their last five meetings.
Scoring has been relatively successful this season for both teams, however, defensively they have performed poorly with Empoli shipping 19 goals and Parma 28 in the opening 11 match days.
Parma’s home form and Empoli’s away form have been poor so an intriguing encounter should be expected.
Antonio Cassano has been on form for the home side, scoring five goals in ten matches for Parma and will look to benefit from lackluster defending, despite the promising campaign from young Azzurri defender Daniele Rugani.
Massimo Maccarone has looked promising for the away side in recent matches and will aim to make the difference up front following his winner against Lazio in the previous round of fixtures.
Parma’s injury list remains long going into the encounter with several key players remaining out which include Jonathan Biabiany, Mattia Cassani, Gabriel Paletta and Massimo Coda.
Lorenzo Tonelli returns for Empoli following suspension but Vincent Laurini and Tiberio Guarente will need evaluating prior to the match with both players carrying injuries.
Expected Starting XIs
Parma: Mirante, Mendes, Costa, Lucarelli, Rispoli, Acquah, Lodi, Mauri, De Ceglie, Cassano, Belfodil
Empoli: Sepe; Hysaj, Tonelli, Rugani, Mario Rui; Vecino, Valdifiori, Croce; Verdi; Tavano, Maccarone
