Pescara vs Parma preview - Win or bust for Stroppa

There was an ultimatum for Pescara head coach Giovanni Stroppa ahead of their crucial meeting with Parma, as club president Daniele Sebastiani demanded nothing less than a positive result.

Defeat at Chievo in midweek signalled a fourth game without victory for the Delfini, but not the end of Stroppa's tenure at the Stadio Adriatico, where the beleaguered coach will face another hostile reception.

Sebastiani had slammed a section of fans who attempted to breach the changing rooms following last weekend's goalless draw against Atalanta, but he readily admits results must pick up soon if the east-coast outfit are to avoid a swift return to Serie B.

He told Pescara Calcio Web TV: "Obviously we're a bit worried at the moment but we also know that the boys can get us out of this situation.

"It's horrible to say that it's Stroppa's last chance.

"But we know that in football when the results don't come, the managers pay the price.

"He knows he's under the microscope but so are the players.

"All I can say is that if Pescara get a positive result then everything will be okay.

"I would prefer an open dialogue with supporters rather than listening to stupid criticism that comes from bars, or seeing what people say on message boards.

"Pescara is a great footballing town with a hardcore of loyal supporters.

"They've been with us through the bad times, and when we've been celebrating, so we have to respect these people."

Simone Romagnoli is suspended after his dismissal at Chievo in midweek, but Stroppa should keep faith with the rest of the line-up who lost 2-0 at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi.

Parma edged into sixth place with a hard-fought victory over Roma on Wednesday, but head coach Roberto Donadoni is light on strikers.

Amauri limped off in the first half - with goalscorer Ishak Belfodil seeing red in the final 10 minutes - and Raffaele Palladino remains on the treatment table.

Donadoni warned against altitude sickness, telling Gazzetta.it: "We have a policy of small steps at this club.

"Let's not forget that three weeks ago we were in a totally different position and were being criticised."