Parma vs Lazio preview - Petkovic keen to cut out mistakes

Posted Saturday, November 09, 2013 by PA

Lazio coach Vladimir Petkovic believes there is no better time for his side to end their winless run on the road this season than in Sunday's match at Parma.

The Biancoceleste travel to the Ennio Tardini stadium having won just one of their last six league games.

Last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Genoa dropped Lazio to seventh in the standings and marked their first defeat at home.

The Romans returned to winning ways at the first opportunity in Thursday's 2-1 triumph over Apollon Limassol.

The outcome in Rome moved the Italians a step closer to a place in the last 32 of the Europa League.

"We played a good first half against Apollon," Petkovic said. "We created numerous chances and I'm satisfied with my team's performance.

"Now we must focus on the domestic front and on getting results on the road, starting at Parma.

"We need to be more convinced of our quality and limit our mistakes when playing away from home.

"I expect a good performance against Parma knowing that we face a difficult team."

Rivals Parma are also winless on the road this season and have relied on home results to remain above the drop zone.

Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Juventus followed Parma's reverse at Genoa and dropped the Ducale club to 13th place.

"We just have to think of playing with a winning mentality," Parma defender Mattia Cassani said. "Luck is not on our side but I'm certain that soon the wind will change and we will rewarded for our efforts."

Parma coach Roberto Donadoni will be hoping to recover French striker Jonathan Biabiany, who sustained a thigh injury at the weekend and is doubtful.

Lazio welcome back defender Stefan Radu from injury and midfielder Lorik Cana from suspension.

The visitors are still without injured defenders Diego Novaretti, Giuseppe Biava and Andre Dias.