Lecce vs Parma preview - Cosmi confident over survival chances

Lecce coach Serse Cosmi has backed his team to bounce back from Wednesday's defeat to Napoli and secure their Serie A safety.

Cosmi's men host Parma knowing that victory could see them climb out of the relegation zone for the first time this year.

With just four matches remaining, Lecce are in the bottom three but they still have time to ensure they can stay in the division.

The 2-0 loss to Napoli ended Lecce's six-match unbeaten run and left them in 18th place, one point behind Genoa, who are in the last position of safety.

Cosmi said: "We are still very much in the race to avoid the drop.

"I remain confident that we can defend our Serie A status.

"We are all extremely motivated and we have four finals left to play.

"The game against Parma is extremely important.

"Our aim is to limit the mistakes we made against Napoli and take three points."

Defeat could leave Lecce hanging on by their fingertips with matches against Juventus, Fiorentina and Chievo still to be played.

Rivals Parma are nine points better off than Lecce.

Wednesday's 2-1 triumph at Palermo was the Gialloblu's third straight win and lifted them to ninth place.

The Ducale club has shown few signs of weakness, giving away just one goal in its last three games while scoring seven times in as many matches.

"We hope to continue to play in this way and get a positive result at Lecce," Parma midfielder Jonathan Biabiany said.

"We know we face a big test on Sunday but provided we play the way we are doing lately, we should bring home three points."

The hosts will be without suspended Colombian midfielder Juan Guillermo Cuadrado.

Parma coach Roberto Donadoni is hoping to recover striker Stefano Okaka, who is doubtful with flu.