The Stadio Ennio Tardini will play host to the bottom of the table clash between Parma and Chievo on Sunday afternoon.
Gialloblu coach Roberto Donadoni and Chievo counterpart Rolando Maran will both be searching for victories to keep their squads free from the eminent threat of relegation.
The last meeting between the two sides resulted in a 3-1 victory to the Flying Donkeys following an attacking onslaught.
Parma have been the subject of much media debate and attention over recent weeks following Antonio Cassano’s cancellation of his contract after going seven months unpaid.
Midfielder Daniele Galloppa told the Gazzetta dello Sport that the players were interested in the actions of the club and named February 16 as the deadline for the payment of various salaries.
It goes without saying that the increased attention has had a profound effect on the players as well as the side’s performances.
While the players maintain their level of professionalism, their recent 3-1 loss to fellow strugglers AC Milan, heralded their ninth defeat in their last 11 Serie A fixtures.
The Crociati’s 2014 sixth place finish seems a distant memory as they sit in bottom position with total of only nine points, a shy four away from 19th ranked Cesena.
The departure of Gabriel Paletta to Milan adds further woe for the Gialloblu, who will be without his excellent man-marking skills in their defensive half.
Unfortunately for Chievo their fortunes have not been much kinder as they sit in 18th place. A far cry from their tenth place finish in the previous season.
Yet they welcome former Parma striker Nicola Pozzi, as well as Genoa forward Giannis Fetfatzidis, with both looking to bolster a goalshy front line. Despite the 200 chances created by Maran’s men, the Flying Donkeys have only capitalised on 23 occasions yet managed to concede 34 goals.
Regardless, both sides are in desperate need of points to continue to avoid the looming relegation zone.
Form Guide: Parma (L-W-L-L-L-L) Chievo (W-D-D-L-L-L)
Expected Starting XIs
Parma: Mirante; Varela, Cassani, Paletta, Lucarelli, Gobbi; Mauri, Lodi, Nocerino; Palladino, Rodriguez.
Chievo: Bizzarri; Zukanovic, Gamberini, Cesar; Biraghi, Birsa, Radovanovic, Hetemaj, Schelotto; Meggiorini, Paloschi
