Udinese vs Parma

August 31, 2013
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

After suffering early elimination from Europe, Udinese need to get their Serie A campaign back on track as quickly as possible, with the Zebrette hoping for a victory against Parma. Il Ducali also had a slow start, sharing spoils at home with Chievo, so they will feel a match against the wounded Zebrette is a good opportunity for a rare away win.

Costly mistakes

Having ended the previous campaign with eight straight victories, Udinese were tipped to impress this season as well, but things haven’t been going according to plan so far. The Zebrette eased off to Europa League play-offs as they recorded a 7-1 aggregate triumph over Siroki Brijeg, but they were then eliminated from the competition by Slovakian side Slovan Liberec. But, while the 1-1 draw in the return leg was well deserved, Udinese were extremely unfortunate to lose the first leg 3-1 at home, having missed a plethora of clear-cut chances and conceded some very cheap goals. Having also conceded two goals in the opening Serie A match against Lazio, it is perfectly clear the shaky back line is preventing the team from keeping their results respectable, so the hosts will need attackers Antonio Di Natale and Luis Muriel to continue the good run of form if they are to return to winning ways in the league. Seeing as how the Friulani will be desperate to end a three-match winless run, chances are they will adopt a more attacking approach than usual and try to surprise Parma by scoring an early goal.

Key defender Maurizio Domizzi is likely to miss out with a muscle problem, whereas first choice keeper Zeljko Brkic is not yet ready to return.

Parma can do better

One of Italy’s most famous clubs is finally returning to where they belong and while they are still far away from mounting a serious title challenge, nobody would be surprised if they manage to sneak into the European places. Eighth-place finish from last season certainly gave the club something to build on, and it looks as though they have done some very good business in the summer transfer market. Swapping talented forward Ishak Belfodil for Antonio Cassano could prove to be the bargain of the summer, whereas the fact all key players remained at Ennio Tardini is also considered a huge boost. Following the 4-0 victory over Lecce in Coppa Italia, Parma could only muster a goalless draw at home against Chievo, but it is important to note that could have easily been a high-scoring match considering the number of chances both sides failed to convert. The odds are il Ducali will be far less wasteful in front of goal when they take on Udinese, although their ageing defence is likely to experience all sorts of problems against one of Serie A’s best attacking partnerships.

Yohan Benalouane faces a fitness test, but Daniele Galloppa and Gabriel Paletta remain sidelined through injury.

Verdict

Udinese should go all guns blazing at their opponents in an attempt to record a much needed victory and make amends for the early exit from Europa League. Meanwhile, Parma attackers Amauri, Cassano and Biabiany should have plenty of space to exploit at Friuli, which should make for an entertaining encounter.

Top pick: Both teams to score   1.91 (10/11) @ Stan James

Alternative pick 1: Over 2.5 goals   2.15 (23/20) @ Ladbrokes

Alternative pick 2: Home win   2.20 (6/5) @ Coral

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