Sevilla FC first played European football in the 1957/58 season but the first-leg scoreless draw against Parma FC brought them up against Italian opposition for the first time.

Parma, meanwhile, have won all three of their previous two-legged ties against Spanish clubs. In their successful 1992/93 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup campaign they reached the final by beating Club Atlético de Madrid on the away goals rule: winning 2-1 in Spain and losing 1-0 at home. In a 1994/95 UEFA Cup third-round tie against Athletic Club Bilbao they lost the away leg 1-0 but won the return 4-2 and again went on to lift the trophy.

When they triumphed again four seasons later, Atlético were overcome 5-2 in the semi-finals; keeping up their perfect record of always prevailing in a European tournament after defeating Spanish opposition. Parma did lose 2-0 at Athletic Club Bilbao in the group stage this term, however, but ended a run of two away defeats when they beat VfB Stuttgart 2-0 in extra time in the Round of 32.

Despite losing their last two away games in the UEFA Cup - 1-0 at Panathinaikos FC and LOSC Lille Métropole - Sevilla can take plenty of confidence to Emilia-Romagna as they attacked Parma incessantly on home soil. For their part, Parma have failed to score against Primera División opponents this season.