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Serie A Preview: Parma - Napoli

The hosts take on the Neapolitans knowing that a victory could place them third in the table.....

Nov 27, 2009 10:00:00 AM

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Marek Hamsik - Napoli (Getty Images)

Teams

Napoli
Parma

Kick-Off: Sunday, November 29, 15:00 CET.
Ennio Tardini Stadium, Parma.

Flying High And Wild

Parma's season so far has been nothing short of a fairytale as the newly promoted side are placed as high as fifth in the Serie A standings, just two points short of third-placed Milan and one worse than Sampdoria in fourth. As a matter of fact, the Gialloblu were actually third after their victory over Fiorentina in Florence on Saturday last.

Coach Francesco Guidolin has constructed a competitive, effective side relying on experienced veterans and young, eager and energetic youngsters. Their thrilling win over Fiorentina in Week 12 illustrated their hunger and winning mentality.

Parma's home record in Serie A so far this season is almost impeccable - they have won five and lost only once at the Ennio Tardini. The Gialloblu have overcome the likes of Palermo and Lazio, and also held Sampdoria to a draw in Genoa. They are exceeding expectations at the moment, but the club's followers would not like it otherwise, although they should be aware that on Sunday they take on an improving side in Napoli.

Slightly Losing Momentum

Napoli's season started disastrously, but since the appointment of Walter Mazzarri as their new coach, results have sharply improved. In quick succession in late October the Neapolitans defeated Fiorentina away, came from two goals down to draw with Milan at home and got the better of Juventus away after overcoming a two-goal deficit.

But the Partenopei have to yet to win in the league this month. They were held to a disappointing goalless draw by Catania in Sicily in early November and failed to score against Lazio in Naples last weekend.

Thursday's narrow 1-0 win over Serie B side Cittadella must have injected a healthy dose of confidence in them. The victory takes Napoli through to the last 16 stage of the Coppa Italia, and although it was a narrow victory, the fact that they are back to winning ways could work wonders on Sunday.

FORM GUIDE

Parma

November 21 v Fiorentina (A) WON 3-2 (Serie A)

November 8 v Chievo (H) WON 2-0 (Serie A)

October 31 v Milan (A) LOST 2-0 (Serie A)

October 28 v Bari (H) WON 2-0 (Serie A)

October 25 v Atalanta (A) LOST 3-1 (Serie A)

Napoli

November 26 v Cittadella (H) WON 1-0 (Coppa Italia)

November 22 v Lazio (H) DREW 0-0 (Serie A)

November 8 v Catania (A) – DREW 0-0 (Serie A)

October 31 v Juventus (A) – WON 3-2 (Serie A)

October 28 v Milan (H) – DREW 2-2 (Serie A)

TEAM NEWS

Parma

Alberto Paloschi, Stefano Russo, Andrea Pisanu, Luca Antonelli, Alessio Manzoni and McDonald Mariga all are unavailable for this game. Alessandro Lucarelli and Stefano Morrone are doubtful. Daniele Galloppa is suspended.

Probable Line-up (5-3-2): Mirante, Zaccardo, Dellafiore, Panucci, A. Lucarelli, Castellini; Morrone, Dzemaili, Lunardini; Amoruso, Bojinov

Napoli

The Neapolitans are expected to line-up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marek Hamsik playing behind the lone striker, Fabio Quagliarella.

Probable Line-up (3-4-2-1): De Sanctis, Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Contini; Maggio, Gargano, Cigarini, Aronica; Hamsik, Lavezzi; Quagliarella

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Valeri Bojinov (Parma)

Alberto Paloschi is out for this game, which implies that Bojinov has to lead the attack. The former Fiorentina striker has been in good shape and form for Parma so far this season, scoring in Florence last weekend. He will be eager to showcase his calibre against Napoli on Sunday too.

Fabio Quagliarella (Napoli)

Fabio Quagliarella has been inconsistent so far this season and could lose his place in the Italian national squad for the 2010 World Cup finals. The 26-year-old seems to be happy under a new coach and will be looking forward to start scoring again.

PREDICTION

This game promises to be very entertaining, and there could be a couple of goals at least. Parma are strong at home, and although Napoli have scored only once in their last three matches in all competitions, the likes of Hamsik and Lavezzi are capable of conjuring up a moment of brilliance any time.

Parma 1-1 Napoli

Subhankar Mondal, Goal.com

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