US Sassuolo Calcio vs Parma preview - Sansone focus only on Sassuolo

Posted Saturday, March 14, 2015 by PA

Nicola Sansone remembers happier times at Parma but he has no interest in doing his former club any favours.

The Germany-born forward was part of the squad that helped Parma finish sixth in Serie A last term, a position that would have booked European football had UEFA not denied the club a license due to financial concerns.

Those money troubles now threaten Parma's very existence and - ahead of their trip across Emilia-Romagna to face Sassuolo - the Gialloblu prop up the table with only 11 points from their 24 games.

Sansone's loyalty is to keeping the Neroverde away from relegation danger, although any win over Parma will weigh heavily on his heart.

"I was at Parma for a year and a half and I have good memories from my time there," he told Corriere dello Sport.

"I will always be grateful to the Gialloblu fans but now I play for Sassuolo and I want us to win.

"It won't be easy but we'll have to go all out to get the three points.

"I'm really sorry about their situation, especially that of my former team-mates, the employees, and the fans.

"However, (Roberto) Donadoni's team are still alive because they drew with Atalanta. They'll be motivated but we will be even more so."

Sassuolo goalkeeper Gianluca Pegolo, defenders Luca Antei, Paolo Cannavaro and Simone Terranova are all missing through injury while Parma are without French winger Jonathan Biabiany.

The former Inter Milan player has resumed training as he steps up his recovery from a heart condition.

Parma captain Alessandro Lucarelli was happy to be able to lead his team out for the first time in three weeks - cashflow problems forced the postponement of two games - as they battled to a goalless draw with Atalanta.

He said: "We have let off some steam on the pitch, finally.

"This team has always remained dignified, even when we weren't able to play.

"Our only protest is that the system needs to be improved. There are teams other than Parma who are terribly indebted - it's no use denying it any more."