Parma sporting director Pietro Leonardi has stated that he will not shake hands with Torino president Urbano Cairo when the two sides meet at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday night.
The Ducali qualified for the Europa League via their league position last season but the spot was handed to the Granata due to Parma’s failure to pay taxes, something that has since raised differences between the two patrons.
“No, I will not shake hands with Cairo or anyone,” he told Radio Parma.
“I consider myself a gentleman, and my company is comprised of gentlemen. I have no desire to see him.
“If we win, what do I do? I’ll return home happier and more relieved, but will still have to deal with the problems at hand.”
Leonardi also commented on star man Jonathan Biabiany, who has been diagnosed with a heart problem following the medical tests he failed at Milan on the final day of the transfer window.
“He’s doing a set-path verification and the problem has been diagnosed, but it does not mean that it has been resolved.
“If there are improvements then we can place our hopes on him, but the treatment will end in November. The prospects are good, but since it’s not my job, it’s best to wait for updates from my staff.”
Having picked up just three points from their first eight games in Serie A, the possibility of relegation hangs over the Ennio Tardini, but Leonardi insists that his side should be able to beat the drop, adding that he will remain at the club no matter how tough times might get.
“We will not go down to Serie B. They all say that I’m going away, but this is a story that has been discussed for six years now.
“If I were to leave Parma, it will not be my choice because I’m fine here and I want to stay.
“There are years when everything goes right and then there are years where things go horribly wrong. Football is like that. It gives you both joy and suffering.
“I’m used to suffering so I will not give up on this club. I am too attached to it. I will not leave. I’m not a coward, so people have to stop talking about it.”
