Torino vs Parma preview - Glik eyes European spot

Posted Saturday, May 10, 2014 by PA

Torino and Parma go head to head on Sunday in a match that could decide the battle for sixth place in Serie A.

The Turin outfit currently holds the last Europa League qualifying spot and is one place and one point clear of Parma with two games remaining.

"Sunday's game is the most important one of all," Torino captain Kamil Glik said. "To qualify for Europe next season would be a dream come true.

"We didn't expect to be in this situation at the start of the season and whatever happens on Sunday, we will still consider our season a success.

"Our only thoughts right now are on winning on Sunday.

"Unlike the other teams, we don't depend on the results of others."

Toro, coached by Giampiero Ventura, have shown few signs of weakness, winning five of their last six games, including last weekend's 1-0 victory at Chievo.

Glik has urged the club's fans to come out in numbers as they look to take a giant step towards securing sixth place.

"We hope to have a full stadium," he said. "To play at home is a big advantage for us and we would like to celebrate a big achievement with our fans after the game."

Ciro Immobile, who is Serie A's top scorer with 21 goals, will play alongside Alessio Cerci in Toro's attack.

Parma president Tommaso Ghirardi is confident his team can win in Turin to leapfrog Torino in the standings.

Parma halted a three-match winless run with a 2-0 win over Sampdoria last time out to go level on 54 points with AC Milan.

"This is an important game, perhaps the most important since I became president (in 2007)," Ghirardi said. "I hope my team can hand our fans a great joy on Sunday.

"We will then face a delicate game against Livorno.

"With two wins we will finish sixth."

The Ducale club has not won on the road since beating Milan 4-2 on March 16.

Parma coach Roberto Donadoni will be without the services of suspended defender Felipe this weekend.

Torino end the campaign at Fiorentina on May 18 while Parma end the season at home to relegation-threatened Livorno.