Torino vs Parma preview - Hard-working Rodriguez keen to impress

Posted Sunday, October 28, 2012 by PA

Angelo Ogbonna's continued absence may be troubling Torino boss Giampiero Ventura, but Guillermo Rodriguez is more than willing to help ease the pressure against Parma.

The young Italy international has been out of action through injury since the beginning of October, and with a misfiring Torino winning only two games so far this season, Ventura now has unwelcome issues in defence as he strives to shift his side out of mid-table.

But Rodriguez, signed from relegated Cesena in the summer, stepped into the fray as the Granata earned a credible goalless draw at Palermo last Sunday and the Uruguayan is eager to impress back at the Stadio Olimpico.

He told Tuttosport: "Ever since I arrived in Turin I've worked hard to be ready, and I think I had a good game at Palermo.

"When I signed for the Granata I knew that there was a certain Ogbonna in front of me.

"He is a fantastic player, but more importantly, a team-mate.

"For me the collective is sacred, I won't let myself get angry that I'm not playing very often, that would be a lack of respect towards my colleagues."

Such is Rodriguez's commitment to the cause, he is even willing to step in between the sticks should anything befall Granata keeper Jean-Francois Gillet during a match.

The 28-year-old had to pull on the goalkeeper's jersey against Juventus last year, when Cesena stopper Francesco Antonioli was dismissed.

Arturo Vidal put the resulting penalty away, but Rodriguez was not too fazed, saying: "I wouldn't have a problem putting the gloves on again, except this time I would save the penalty.

"Joking aside, it's better that Gillet is the man in the frame when there's a penalty to be saved."

Parma are similarly marooned in mid-table but spirits are high following Roberto Donadoni's decision to commit two more years of service to the Ducali club.

The Crociati head coach took just three minutes to agree a contract extension earlier this week, telling fcparma.com: "I was very happy and flattered when the president offered me the renewal.

"I don't hide my ambition to be a successful coach, but my ambition matches that of Parma."

Less encouraging is Parma's injury list, with Daniele Galloppa (knee) joining Raffaelle Palladino and Fabiano Santacroce on the sidelines.