However, defeats away to Roma, at home to Juventus and away to Livorno have sent them spinning down to 9th place in the standings. Last week’s home game with Udinese was an opportunity to steady the ship, but the Ducali had to content themselves with a 0-0 draw after Daniele Galloppa’s first half dismissal.
Guidolin will aim for a morale-boosting win at the Stadio Angelo Massimino to reinvigorate their challenge for European qualification. Standing in their way is a Catania team for whom every remaining home fixture is the game of their lives.
Home form has always been the Sicilian side’s salvation, and now more than ever they must utilise the intense Massimino atmosphere to retain their Serie A status.
The Etnei are 19th, with a measly 16 points registered. Nevertheless, they are just three points from safety, and in their best form of the season thanks to new Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic.
Recruiting the Serb was a risk, his only other managerial experience ended with dismissal at Bologna last season when he failed to ease their relegation worries. After a similarly poor start in Sicily the former Lazio defender turned things around with an irony laden win over his old employers Bologna, followed by a landmark victory away to Juventus.
Strangely the Elefanti’s last three matches have all been away at Marassi, with a 2-1 win over Genoa in the last 16 of the Coppa Italia sandwiched in between a 2-0 League loss to the Grifone and a 1-1 draw with Sampdoria.
Catania have received a huge boost in the build up to this fixture thanks to a stunning transfer coup - the signing of former Barcelona striker Maxi Lopez, who had been strongly linked with Lazio.
The home side are without the injured Fabio Sciacca, Gennaro Delvecchio, Giovanni Marchese and Pablo Barrientos, whilst Pablo Ledesma is suspended.
Parma’s only significant injury doubt is Alberto Paloschi, but Cristian Zaccardo, Davide Lanzafame and the aforementioned Galloppa are all suspended.
Keep an eye on: Cristian Llama (Catania) –The primary protagonist in Catania’s recent revival, Argentine attacking midfielder Llama is in mesmerising form, having earned the Elefanti their draw at Sampdoria last weekend with a stunning free-kick.
Last five in Serie A: Catania (L W W L D) Parma (W L L L D)
Last season: Not played |
Catania (probable): Andujar; Alvarez, Spolli, Silvestre, Capuano; Izco, Carboni, Biagianti; Mascara, Martinez, Llama
Parma (probable): Mirante; Paci, Lucarelli, Panucci; Castellini, Morrone, Lunardini, Dzemaili, Zenoni; Bojinov, Biabiany
kappara.ru prediction : Katania (0)
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