Parma’s European hopes suffered a real blow following defeats to Inter and Cagliari, but I Ducali would return to the right track by defeating Sampdoria. The Bluecerchiati ended a three-match losing run as they beat Chievo at home, although they face a much tougher task this time out.

The final push

Having showed constant progress over the last few years, Parma are finally in a position to fight for what would be the first European qualification since 2006. It was team’s amazing 17-match unbeaten run that saw Roberto Donadoni’s side emerge as favourites for Europa League positions, although the team have since suffered a serious dip in form. I Ducali recovered well from narrow defeats to Juventus, Lazio and Roma to defeat Napoli at home, while they also managed to bring one point from Bologna, but back to back losses to Inter and Cagliari acted as a serious blow to their top 6 hopes. Nevertheless, with Parma just one point behind sixth-placed Torino and facing Granata and Livorno in the final two fixtures, they would be in a very good position should they happen to beat indifferent Sampdoria. The return of key defender Gabriel Paletta is likely to serve as a major boost, while star player Antonio Cassano will give his best to persuade Italy boss Cesare Prandelli that he deserves a place at the 2014 World Cup.

Gabriel Paletta returns from suspension, but Felipe is banned and Nicola Pozzi and Jherson Vergara miss out through injury.

Very successful season for Sampdoria

Sampdoria were literally fighting for their lives when former player Sinisa Mihajlovic took over the reigns from Delio Rossi, and the team have never looked back since. The Serbian coach quickly helped the players restore the lost confidence and the Bluecerchiati went on to secure Serie A survival with some ten games to go. However, as that is usually the case, team’s performances dropped a great deal once they reached their pre-season ambitions, and it is clear the players are struggling to find motivation for the final few games of the season. Successive defeats to Lazio, Inter and Catania were the perfect proof and while Sampdoria did manage to end the barren run by defeating sorry Chievo, I cannot see them repeating such a performance against Europa League hopefuls Parma. The Bluecerchiati were pretty fortunate to defeat the Flying Donkeys, having scored two goals in the late stage of the match, but a side like Parma will not allow them such an easy return into the game should they happen to take the lead.

Important defender Shkodran Mustafi misses out through suspension, whereas key midfielder Pedro Obiang is out with a muscle problem.

Verdict

Bigger motivation could prove to be crucial in the clash at Ennio Tardini, with Parma’s superior quality and experience also set to play a part. Having lost three of last four matches on the road, Sampdoria look set for another difficult away game.

Top pick: Home win   1.57 (4/7) @ Ladbrokes

Alternative pick 1: Under 2.5 goals   2.06 (35/33) @ Unibet

Alternative pick 2: Parma to win to nil   2.70 (17/10) @ BetVictor