The Biancocelesti will look to consolidate their position at the final UEFA Champions League qualification spot, amidst fierce competition from the rivals close behind in the race. The Gialloblu will gear up to give the visitors a stern challenge for the
points, as they paddle hard to keep themselves out of the relegation zone.
Parma (17) will host Lazio (3) in matchday 30 encounter of the 2011/12 Serie A on Saturday, March 31st at 18:45 GMT.
The Gialloblu's last Serie A encounter ended in a 2-2 stalemate against Cesena, while http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Lazio-c39775 come into the game on the back of a 1-0 triumph over Cagliari.
The last meeting of the two clubs earlier this season ended in a 1-0 victory for the Biancazzurri.
Parma
The Crociati are on a dismal run of form, and their last victory came against Chievo Verona in the first week of February. This means that Parma has not won a single of their last eight matches, a worrying fact that has taken the team down in the Serie A
standings, just hovering above the relegation zone.
The Gialloblu have won just two games, since Roberto Donadoni took over the management of the side, back in January. They also have the third worst defending stats in Serie A, this season. There is nothing to hide from the fact that the team is struggling
to stay afloat in the top flight.
The hosts may have been considered too good to go down the relegation road, but the situation is starting to turn grim for the Crusaders.
Lazio
The Biancocelesti have been in a temperamental mood of late, and have either won or lost the last 13 league fixtures this season. However, the number 13 may prove to be unlucky for Lazio.
However, a win or loss probability will not worry the Biancazzurri at all, as they boast a good history against Parma. The last five encounters between the two clubs have seen Lazio emerge as the winner three times, while one victory went to Parma, and one
ended as a draw.
Edy Reja's side, with talons blunted, will look to overthrow the opposition, and capture the three points nearing them to the European qualification.
Team News
Parma
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/McDonald-Mariga-c25092 and Raffaele Palladino will not be available for selection due to injuries. Roberto Donadoni will have the rest of the squad at his disposal in the game.
Expected Starting Line-up: Santacroce, Mirante, Paletta, Lucarelli, Valdes, Musacci, Galloppa, Biabiany, Gobbi, Floccari, Giovinco
Lazio
The absence of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Senad-Lulic-c32887 will also be unavailable due to
a blow.
Expected Starting Line-up: Marchetti, Konko, Diakite, Biava, Radu, Gonzalez, Ledesma, Brocchi, Mauri, Rocchi, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Hernanes-c16150
Players to Watch
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sebastian-Giovinco-c32724 (Parma)
The former Juventus striker will be the focal point of the Gialloblu’s attack in the match. Formica atomica has led the attack for his team in the season, and will shoulder the hopes of his team to make a mark in the match. The pace and technique of the
striker with a short stature will be sure to keep the visitor’s defence on its toes.
Hernanes (Lazio)
The Aquile midfielder has alredy scored eight goals for his side this season, and his explosive dribbling combined with precision shooting has quickly made him a star and a dependable member of Lazio ranks. The Brazilian has already been hailed by many as
one of the finest talents in Serie A, and will be beaming to make his mark in the important game.
Predictions
Both sides have their own motives to be ruthless in their approach to the game. Favourites, Lazio, will dearly feel the absence of their leading striker, Miroslav Klose, and Parma will fight with every ounce of energy to keep the visitor’s at bay. The match
will be a close competition, and a hard one to call. Verdict 0-1
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