Roberto Donadoni expects “a real test” of Parma’s potential when they go head-to-head with Fiorentina this afternoon.
Only five points separate the two clubs, who are battling for a place in Europe. Click here for a match preview.
Roberto Donadoni expects “a real test” of Parma’s potential when they go head-to-head with Fiorentina this afternoon.
Only five points separate the two clubs, who are battling for a place in Europe. Click here for a match preview.
“It is going to be a real test against a reality of Serie A who are having a fine campaign,” said the Coach.
“We are meeting a side of real value and it’s going to show us where we are right now. They even strengthened over the January transfer window and facing such important players only increases the glamour around this game.
“Measuring ourselves up against teams with such potential as Fiorentina is certainly added motivation. In any case, I think Parma have made steps forward in terms of mentality and we are settling in some new players too.”
Both teams are coming off defeats, as Fiorentina are still without a win in 2013 and Parma lost their unbeaten home record to Napoli last week.
“We saw good things against Napoli too, but we also allowed them situations where they excel. It is true we were facing champions like Marek Hamsik and Edinson Cavani, but we still shouldn’t allow these things to happen,” continued Donadoni.
“We know what Fiorentina like to do, so will try not to repeat the Napoli experience. I am not so interested in what the Viola do so much as seeing Parma play with great determination.”
Fabiano Santacroce and Daniele Galloppa are still injured, but new buys Djamel Mesbah, MacDonald Mariga and Andrea Coda are all included.
Parma squad for Fiorentina: Mirante, Pavarini, Bajza; Benalouane, Coda, Lucarelli, Mesbah, Paletta; Biabiany, Gobbi, Marchionni, Mariga, Morrone, Ninis, Parolo, Rosi, Strasser, Valdes; Amauri, Belfodil, Palladino, Sansone