Livorno vs Parma

The battle to stave off relegation from Serie A to Serie B heats up this week when Livorno host Parma at the Stadio Armando Picchi. The two sides are coming off of losses last week making this contest very much a must win for both. It will be the debut in the dugout for new Parma boss Hector Cuper.

Livorno were away to SS Lazio last week and fell by a score of 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico. The loss keeps Camolese’s side at 26 points which are good enough for 16^th place in the league table. They are 1 point back of 15^th place Catania and just 1 ahead of their rivals this week, Parma. They are going through a terrible stretch at this time which has seen them lose 4 of their last 5 matches. The injured list is extensive this week with Bergvold, Giannichedda, Rossini, Pulzetti and Volpe out, while Grandoni and De Vezze are out suspended. The lone bright spot is that the clubs 2 best strikers, Tavano and Tristan, are confirmed starters this week.

Parma come into this contest in 17^th place of the league table with 25 points. They are 1 point back of Livorno and just ahead of Empoli- who are in the relegation zone at this time- on goal difference. They were beaten at home last week by Sampdoria, 1-2 at the Stadio Ennio Tardini. Parma have now posted just 1 win in their last 5 matches to go along with 2 draws and 2 losses. This stretch finally forced the board to take action and manager Di Carlo was fired. He was replaced by former Inter Milan and Valencia boss Hector Cuper of Argentina. As Cuper only had 3 days in charge of the squad this week it is unlikely that he will make wholesale chances though it looks as though Lucarelli will be on the bench. The injured list consists of Morfeo, Coly and Couto while Falcone is out suspended. Look for Budan to be the lone striker.

Parma should be able to do well this week. When clubs switch managers, more times than not they do receive an emotional lift in that first match and that could help Parma immensely this week. Despite the fact that they have not won a single match away form home this year, Parma could very well come away with a point. After all, Livorno have won just 3 of 13 at home this season.

Prediction: Draw (0-0)