Parma vs Novara Calcio preview - Ludi: We can stay up
Posted Wednesday, April 11, 2012 by PA
Novara defender Carlalberto Ludi is backing his side to beat the drop as they prepare to face fellow strugglers Parma at the Ennio Tardini stadium.
Last weekend's 1-1 draw against Genoa left Novara languishing in 19th position in the table, 10 points adrift of safety with seven games remaining.
Success at Parma is a must for Attilio Tesser's men if they are to stay up.
"This is a crucial game for us and we must win," Ludi said. "Three points at Parma would bring us closer to our aim of avoiding the drop.
"We face a team that, like us, is fighting to avoid relegation so it will be a battle from start to finish.
"We have seven finals before the end of the season and I am confident that we can defend our top-flight status."
A defeat in Parma would make things tough for Novara, who still have to take on the likes of Juventus, Lazio and AC Milan in their remaining games.
"We will fight until the end," Ludi said. "As long as the numbers don't condemn us to the second division, we will continue to battle."
The hosts, who are four points clear of 18th-place Lecce, have mustered just one win in their last 10 league games.
The Ducale club lost 3-1 at Udinese in the last round to concede their 12th loss of the campaign.
"We must put that defeat behind us and focus on the game against Novara," Parma defender Alessandro Lucarelli said. "There are 21 points still up for grabs and we must try to get as many points as possible."
Parma coach Roberto Donadoni will have all of his players available with the exception of suspended defender Gabriel Paletta.
The visitors will be without striker Andrea Caracciolo, who serves a one-match ban.
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