Parma welcome Palermo to Stadio Ennio Tardini on Sunday afternoon in Serie A.
The travellers have managed to find some of late, securing two wins from two against both Udinese and Genoa to cement themselves in the league’s top eleven. Parma on the other hand are facing a downturn in fortunes.
Having previously won two on the bounce, they’re back to losing, having been turned over 2-0 by Genoa but were able to hold Empoli to a 2-2 draw last Sunday.
Roberto Donadoni’s side are merely counting down the games until their inevitable relegation is confirmed. Until then, the Gialloblu must keep fighting for their fans. 23-year-old Algerian Ishak Belfodil got his first goal for the club last time out, and is expected to start this one. Antonio Nocerino could also take the place of Andi Lila, who gave a less than inspiring performance versus Empoli.
Donadoni should be able to pick from the same squad that drew in the last match, though Jonathan Biabiany (heart), Danielle Galloppa (knee), Pedro Mendes (leg) are all still out of action.
Giuseppe Iachini, coach of Palermo could see his side win three in a row and possibly propel them up to ninth in the league.
The prodigal son that is Paulo Dybala has not been finding the back of the net recently, though continues to assist his team when he is not scoring – he got another when playing in Ivaylo Chochev during the 2-1 victory over Genoa. Dybala and partner in crime Franco Vazquez are both fit for the clash as well.
In terms of injuries, it seems there are no fresh concerns for Iachini but they are still without Michel Morganella, Edgar Barreto and Emerson Palmieri. Mato Jajalo is out suspended for one game.
The seasons’ earlier affair between the two was hotly contested, with both teams ending up with ten men and Palermo coming out the better with a 2-1 win. It was Palermo’s first victory versus their opponents in five Serie A matches.
Form Guide: Parma (L-D-W-W-L-D), Palermo (D-L-L-L-W-W)
Expected Starting XIs
Parma: Mirante; Cassani, Lucarelli, Feddal; Varela, Mauri, Lodi, Nocerino, Gobbi; Belfodil,Coda.
Palermo: Sorrentino; Andelkovic, Gonzalez, Vitiello; Lazaar, Chochev, Maresca, Rigoni, Rispoli; Dybala, Vazquez
