Parma vs Fiorentina

Parma return home to host Fiorentina at the Tardini hoping that their recent good run at home continues. Fiorentina are on a high note having just put forth one of their most impressive offensive performances of the season in their last Serie A match at home to Cagliari.

The side managed by Domenico Di Carlo are in 13^th place of the league table with 18 points. They are just behind 12^th place AC Milan on goal difference and just ahead of Lazio. In their last match before the end of year break they were beaten on the road away to Genoa by a score of 1-0. The result continues a pattern of Jekyll & Hyde results for Parma depending on whether they are home or away. They have lost their last 3 matches without scoring a goal on the road, while winning their last 2 without conceding a goal at home. Should that pattern continue it stands to reason that they will win this match without conceding a goal. The club gets a boost in the back line this week as Castellini is available and will be at the left fullback position.

Cesare Prandelli’s club are in 5^th place of the Serie A table with 28 points. This leaves them just 1 point back of 4^th place Udinese and 3 points ahead of upstarts Palermo.The Purple side scored 5 goals in their last match when they held serve at home to trounce the struggling Cagliari by a score of 5-1at the Artemio Franchi. This week they will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to 3 matches when they visit Parma. The good news for Prandelli is that there are no injury or suspension concerns meaning the viola are at full strength. Look for them to go with a 4-3-3 featuring Adrian Mutu- their leading scorer with 9 goals, Christian Vieri and the Argentine Santana in attack.

This is a tough one for Parma. While they have won 2 straight at home they have just 4 wins at home for the season and will taking on a Fiorentina outfit who are not only in better overall form, but they are at full strength and have lost just one match on the road all season. Look for the visitors to hold out for point.

Prediction: Draw (0-0)