Palermo need to get back on track as they host a Parma side who can’t really afford another defeat after a rough patch of form.

Last weekend the Rosanero were hammered 4-2 at Bari – a shock loss considering the form that the Sicilians were in at the time. Yet they still find themselves in the top six with 34 points and that itself is a great achievement.

“I can’t believe we threw away a game like this,” said President Zamparini after the Bari reverse. “We need to improve if we are to compare ourselves to the big teams. Our players must be more careful and intelligent. But I am still confident for the rest of the season.”

Not much happened during the transfer window for Palermo who should therefore remain competitive until the season’s end. Fabio Simplicio was close to Inter but then decided to stay while Rubinho moved to Livorno.

The Gialloblu are seriously struggling at the moment and have collected only one point in the last five games. Their tie against Inter at the weekend was snowed off and perhaps it was a good thing for them. Now they really need to improve although this away game is far from easy.

“I am really excited to return to Palermo,” said former Rosanero boss Francesco Guidolin. “They have a really good team and can go far this season. We are going down instead, it is understandable but we will have to improve quickly.”

Delio Rossi has to deal with two important suspensions to Fabio Liverani and Cesare Bovo. Dorin Goian will step in at the back while Mark Bresciano will return in midfield which means Antonio Nocerino will move to the centre. Javier Pastore should once again be preferred to Simplicio.

Guidolin may not have at his disposal the newly signed Hernan Crespo. The Argentine striker picked up a minor injury during his last game with Genoa and could be out for two weeks. Valeri Bojinov will thus be reconfirmed up front. Damiano Zenoni is also out so Cristian Zaccardo will play wide on the right. Newly signed Luis Jimenez should start from the bench.

Keep an eye on: Javier Pastore (Palermo) – The Argentine ace has been labelled the new Kakà and he is finally settling down in Sicily. One of the brightest youngsters in Serie A, he will be looking to beat Parma with his clinical touches.

Last five in Serie A: Palermo (D W D W L) Parma (L L L D L)

Last season: Not played

Juventus travel to Tuscany hoping to end their winless drought as they face Livorno at the Armando Picchi. The Bianconeri are in deep crisis and the locals will be showing no mercy.

The Old Lady is seriously struggling and even the appointment of Alberto Zaccheroni didn’t have the desired effect last weekend. Juve have collected only one point out of the last four games and now sit in fifth position, four points shy of the Champions League zone. Their 1-1 draw against Lazio last weekend was another disappointing display.

“We were too eager against the Biancocelesti and that proved to be the wrong approach,” said the new boss. “I am planning to change a few things against Livorno. I am sure my men will respond well although I expect much more from them, especially the Brazilians.”

Zaccheroni is planning a real tactical revolution as he will switch to a 3-4-1-2 formation. Nicola Legrottaglie will step in at the back. Zdenek Grygera and Momo Sissoko are banned so Martin Caceres will play wide on the right and Antonio Candreva in the middle. Up front Amauri will be confirmed even though he is in poor shape.

Livorno are struggling at the moment and could rapidly find themselves in the relegation zone. However, their draw against Milan at the weekend helped improve the team’s morale.

“We could have done even better if only we tried,” revealed Serse Cosmi. “But when you play at San Siro, also considering your situation in the table, you just accept a point. I get mad because when I play in this stadium I always try to do something different but my players are not psychologically ready for that.”

Cosmi is set to field a revolutionised side too. Rubinho will make his debut in goal while Andrea Esposito will start at the back. Newly signed Claudio Bellucci will begin up front next to Cristiano Lucarelli. Nelson Rivas is suspended while Leonardo Miglionico is out for the rest of the season.

Keep an eye on: Amauri (Juventus) – The Brazilian has had a woeful campaign so far. He needs to improve if he is to retain his regular place in the team. We expect him to do well against the Amaranto considering that the new strategy should help him.

Last five in Serie A: Livorno (L W L L D) Juventus (W L L L D)

Last season: Not played