Atalanta vs Parma preview - Donadoni backs Parma to find form

Posted Saturday, October 18, 2014 by PA

Roberto Donadoni firmly believes Parma have the means to escape their current predicament.

The Gialloblu have made a dreadful start to the new Serie A campaign, losing five games and winning just once to wallow in the relegation zone ahead of Sunday's trip to Atalanta.

A home defeat to Genoa last time out was Parma's third loss on the spin and a visibly disappointed Donadoni subsequently spoke to La Repubblica Sport.

He said: "This is a time when we have to limit the silly mistakes, because as soon as we make one we are duly punished. This is a tough time which demands commitment and real seriousness.

"We now need to prepare for the trip to Bergamo. We have the means to get out of this situation and to do so we have to work hard, leaving no stone unturned.

"We must also overcome significant absences, such as those of (defenders Mattia) Cassani and (Gabriel) Paletta.

"But we have to move forward with the players we do have available because, unfortunately, the treatment room is full."

Further to Cassani and Paletta, the Crociati are without Jonathan Biabiany, Marijan Coric and Soufiane Bidaoui.

Seventeenth-placed Atalanta are not faring much better than their weekend opponents. They boast just one more point having mixed a draw with one victory and four defeats.

The loss of midfielder Marcelo Estigarribia with cruciate ligament damage presents coach Stefano Colantuono with an unwanted setback, although the Paraguayan has since undergone successful surgery in Barcelona.

Colantuono told La Repubblica Sport: "We're not worried about our position in the league table: let's remember that our losses have been against the likes of Fiorentina, Inter Milan and Juventus, who are all superior sides.

"Also, let's not forget that we've started seasons with points deductions in the past, and so we've certainly mounted greater revivals starting from weaker positions."