Serie A Week 26 - 1/3/08 (17.00 UK)
Roma - Parma
Stadio Olimpico
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Roma welcome Parma to the Stadio Olimpico in Week 26 hoping to regain some confidence ahead of their Champions League clash against Real Madrid. That after the Giallorossi came within minutes of re-opening the title race on Wednesday when they conceded late on in a 1-1 draw at Inter.
If only Roma had been able to keep their 1-0 lead at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza then they could have been able to rewrite the future of this Serie A campaign. However, a late Javier Zanetti equaliser cut the Lupi’s ambitions short and may have handed the Nerazzurri their third consecutive Scudetto. With 13 games to go the Capitolini are still nine points behind the leaders, who are facing Napoli this weekend.
Meanwhile, Parma are fighting to get out of the relegation zone which means they will be desperate for points when they travel to the Eternal City. The Gialloblu are in 14th place with 25 points. They managed to beat Udinese 2-0 on Wednesday which has helped Coach Domenico Di Carlo keep hold of his job. In last year’s clash at the Olimpico the Emiliani were battered 3-0 and they will be looking to avoid such an ending this time around.
Roma boss Luciano Spalletti may opt for a reshuffle in his 4-2-3-1 formation. The Champions League tie is such a crucial part of the Giallorossi season that Spalletti will have to rest some players on Saturday evening.
The first on the list is Francesco Totti, who scored a fantastic goal against Inter, but is not 100 per cent fit and is expected to be handed a breather. Christian Panucci and David Pizarro may be left out as well, while Philippe Mexes is suspended. Marco Cassetti picked up a serious injury to his shoulder and will be out for at least three weeks.
Brazilian full-back Cicinho will get a chance from the first minute, while Matteo Ferrari and Juan will be the central defenders. Alberto Aquilani will take his place in midfield, while Ludovic Giuly could be preferred to Rodrigo Taddei. Up-front Mirko Vucinic will likely replace Totti.
Parma will be without Domenico Morfeo, who is injured. However, Di Carlo should be able to count on Andrea Gasbarroni. The Coach could line up a defensive 4-4-1-1 formation in the hope of hitting his opponents on the break. Cristiano Lucarelli should be the lone striker with Bernardo Corradi and Igor Budan sitting on the bench.
Keep an eye on: Mirko Vucinic (Roma) – It is never easy to replace captain Totti, but the Montenegrin has shown he can do a brilliant job as a lone striker.
Last season: Roma 3-0 Parma
Form guide: Roma (W L D W L) Parma (L D D L L)
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Roma (probable): Doni; Cicinho, Ferrari, Juan, Tonetto; De Rossi, Aquilani; Giuly, Perrotta, Mancini; Vucinic
Parma (probable): Bucci; Coly, Falcone, M Rossi, P Castellini; Dessena, Morrone, Cigarini, Pisanu; Gasbarroni; Lucarelli
Ref: To follow...
channel4
p Also that we need to get clear from Juventus.
