Following a brief flirtation with the relegation battle, Parma have played their way out of danger and are now 6 points above the drop zone with just two games remaining. Juventus are three points below the Europa League qualifying places, and as is the case in the Sampdoria v Palermo game, the odds for this game reflect the motivation it contains for either side.
Juventus appeared to be cruising on Monday when they went 2-0 up on Chievo at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin. However, a dramatic second-half collapse allowed Chievo to rescue a point – indeed, the visitors were unlucky not to win the game in the end. The second-half turnaround epitomised the sort of season Juve have had under Luigi Del Neri, and strong rumours suggest that current Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri may take his place during the Summer.
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| Amauri and Giovinco in the colours of Juventus |
Two players who have played a huge part in Parma’s recent revival - Sebastian Giovinco and striker Amauri (or little and large, if you prefer) - are both currently on loan from Juventus. Amauri has scored seven goals in eleven matches, while Giovinco scored twice against his parent club in January when Parma beat the Old Lady 4-1. Club president Tommaso Ghirardi has stated that he wishes to sign both of these players for Parma, and he has also confirmed that coach Franco Columbo – who he credits with saving the club from relegation this term – will be in charge next season.
If they hit form, Juventus have enough quality at their disposal to win on Sunday. Their form has been so unreliable this season however that it would be unsurprising to see them struggle against a Parma side who haven’t lost since Columbo’s first game in charge. The home side will be keen to ensure their place in Serie A next season, and they should manage at least a draw.
Prediction – Parma +1 (handicap betting) – 3pts
Match odds: Parma 3/1
Draw 9/4
Juventus 10/11
Parma +1 8/11
Parma: Last 5 Serie A Results
08.05.2011 – Bologna 0-0 Parma
01.05.2011 – Parma 3-1 Palermo
23.04.2011 – Udinese 0-2 Parma
16.04.2011 – Parma 2-0 Inter
10.04.2011 – Lazio 2-0 Parma
Juventus: Last 5 Serie A Results
09.05.2011 – Juventus 2-2 Chievo
02.05.2011 – Lazio 0-1 Juventus
23.04.2011 – Juventus 2-2 Catania
17.04.2011 – Fiorentina 0-0 Juventus
10.04.2011 – Juventus 3-2 Genoa
