Roma vs Parma preview - Ghirardi fires Roma warning
Posted Saturday, February 01, 2014 by PA
Parma president Tommaso Ghirardi has warned Roma that they can expect to concede a goal for every one they manage to score against his club on Sunday afternoon.
The resurgent Gialloblu - currently on a four-game winning streak and targeting Europe - were the only side to score against Roma during the capital side's remarkable 10-game winning run at the start of the Serie A season.
Roma have since slipped six points behind leaders Juventus and, ahead of Sunday's game at the Stadio Olimpico, Ghirardi insists in-form Parma are gearing up to inflict further damage on their hosts' title bid.
He told fcparma.com: "We put the Giallorossi in real difficulty in our first meeting and for quite a long time we were the only side that managed to score against them.
"They're really strong but we are calm, we know we've got good players and a great playing style.
"We will play our game, we'll go there and play football. If we end up conceding three goals, that's no problem because we'll score three of our own.
"Let's hope it's the right time for us."
Making his return to the Olimpico will be Parma's seven-goal striker Antonio Cassano, who represented the Giallorossi for three and a half seasons early in his career.
The 31-year-old has this week been linked with a transfer-window move to former club Sampdoria, but an angry Ghirardi believes there is malice behind the rumour.
"The story really discomfited me," he added. "We have given so much to him and he has given so much to us.
"I just think someone's been whispering in his ear about rejoining his family, who still live in Genoa, to try and lure him away from a life which is giving him great satisfaction.
"Someone has played with his feelings.
"Antonio has a contract with us for another two years and there is a good feeling between us."
Goalkeeper Nicola Pavarini and midfielder Joel Obi are doubtful to feature in Rome due to injury while defender Felipe serves a one-match ban.
Banned for Roma is midfielder Radja Nainggolan while recently-signed winger Michel Bastos and full-back Federico Balzaretti are injured.
Following their mid-season wobble the Giallorossi are winning again and will hope to make it four victories in a row at Parma's expense.
"We're six points ahead of third place and six points off the leaders," head coach Rudi Garcia told the club's official website.
"Now all that's important is preparing for the game against Parma: they're a good side and we'll have to prepare for the match well."
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