Leonardi makes Donadoni plea

Posted Saturday, April 12, 2014 by PA

Parma general manager Pietro Leonardi is hoping coach Roberto Donadoni will remain at the club next season.

Donadoni, who joined Parma in 2010 after disappointing spells with Napoli and Cagliari, has been linked with a move to the English Premier League in recent months.

However, the former Italy tactician is under contract with the Ducale club for a further campaign.

Ahead of Sunday's game at Bologna, Leonardi said: "Knowing our coach so well and the opportunities he has to express himself here, considering the organisation of the club and the calm atmosphere, I don't think (Donadoni) could find any better place than Parma.

"He has already shown how much he enjoys coming to the (Parma's) Collecchio training ground and helping all of Parma to improve.

"Donadoni has given the team the right mentality."

Under Donadoni, Parma have collected 50 points in 32 games.

Last weekend's 1-0 triumph over Napoli halted a four-match winless run and lifted the Giallloblu to sixth place, level on points with Inter Milan, who are fifth and hold the last European qualifying spot.

"I'm not thinking about Europe," Donadoni said.

"We simply have to take things one game at a time."

Parma are still without the team's top scorer Antonio Cassano, who is sidelined with a muscular injury, while midfielder Marco Parolo must serve a one-match ban.

The good news for Donadoni is that defender Alessandro Lucarelli and striker Amauri return from suspension.

Rivals Bologna have won just one of their last seven home games but go into the encounter on the back of an encouraging 2-2 draw against Inter Milan.

The outcome lifted Bologna to 17th place, two points clear of the drop zone with six games remaining.

Bologna, coached by Davide Ballardini, will be under pressure to win on Sunday knowing that any other result could see them drop into the bottom three.