A half-assed preview of Juve-Parma, just like the game itself

By: alessio | April 15th, 2008

Ironic, isn’t it, that this game was delayed because of a Ducali fan was killed…..when in the Andata, it wasn’t when Gabriele Sandri was killed. You also might remember that was (one of) the games where we got bullshitted. (PK, disallowed winner) Well, the powers that be re-scheduled the game for tomorrow, same time as the Coppa semifinals. Parma used to be a great squad…but haven’t been in a few years. They are struggling for relegation right now, and hired Hector Cuper to save them…much like they called up our beloved Claudio Ranieri to save them last year.

Juventus is in terrific form, having defeated Milan this weekend and unluckily gone under to Palermo the week before. Parma, on the other hand, has ex-Interista Hector Cuper at the helm and are sort of turning around. I’m going to miss part of the game, but since Parma coach said he’s planning to rotate to avoid exhaustion, I don’t anticipate a great match like Juve-Milan. He means he knows a beating is coming and fielding anything less than a reserve squad is pointless. Or he could be playing mind games and try and catch us off guard. Who knows!

For a real preview, check Goal.com’s here. You can also check what Francesco has to say over at the Parma Offside.

Goal.com’s Starting XI’s- (As always, take it with a grain of salt. I’m not sure why we’d field our top team if they aren’t.) I’d say this is a good game to rest Del Piero, Trez, Nedved, Camoranesi, and throw Iaquinta and Palladino up front to give them some playing time, and send in our elite if it’s not going well.
Probable starting XI: Buffon, Grygera, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro, Salihamidizic, Camoranesi, Nocerino, Nedved, Del Piero, Trezeguet.
What I’d like: Buffon, Zebina, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Grygera, Salihamidzic, Sissoko, Tiago, Marchionni, Palladino, Iaquinta
Parma-
Probable starting XI: Bucci, Zenoni, Couto, Falcone, Castellini, Dessena, Mariga, Parravicini, Antonelli, Reginaldo, Corradi.

Prediction: There’s no reason Juventus should lose this one. We should win comfortably, if we’re playing our starting lineup, I think 3-0. Why not.