Lazio vs Parma preview - Donadoni out to bounce back

Posted Saturday, March 29, 2014 by PA

Sunday's trip to Lazio offers Parma and their coach Roberto Donadoni an instant shot at redemption.

A 2-1 defeat to Juventus on Wednesday night saw Parma's remarkable 17-match unbeaten run finally come to an end while an opportunity to leapfrog fifth-placed Inter Milan fell by the wayside.

Lazio are also chasing a Europa League berth and, following their surprise defeat to Genoa in midweek, will not roll over at the Stadio Olimpico, but Gialloblu boss Donadoni is demanding his players strive to return to winning ways.

He told fcparma.com: "I'm a little sorry about the result, but given the evidence and the commitment to the cause we showed, I am still satisfied with the character the lads showed.

"Now we are looking forward to the next game and redeeming ourselves."

The former Italy coach's comments were echoed by his Brazilian defender Felipe, who has promised to tackle Lazio "head on".

"We knew we would have a lot of difficult games this season, so now we head to Rome determined to win," he said.

"There's no time to stop, we want to approach them all head on, including the game in Rome."

Striker Amauri is suspended following his red card at Juve while Walter Gargano, Nicola Pozzi, Gianni Munari and Jonathan Rossini are all sidelined through injury.

In the Lazio camp, Ederson's season is over due to injury and boss Edy Reja has fitness concerns over Lucas Biglia, Andre Dias and Michael Ciani.

Cristian Ledesma is suspended as the capital club look to both avenge their 2-0 loss at Genoa and make up ground on a Parma side currently two places and five points above them in the Serie A table.

Coach Reja said: "We played with good pace and intensity, but the team struggled on the ball.

"Now, however, we must look forward, as it is our duty to keep pursuing the target of European football."