Parma primed for survival fight

By Paolo Menicucci

The 2004/05 Serie A season comes to its conclusion on Saturday evening when Bologna FC face Parma FC in the return leg of their relegation play-off.

Bologna advantage
The Rossoblú hold the initiative after Igli Tare's goal gave the visitors a 1-0 victory at the Stadio Ennio Tardini on Tuesday. But despite the defeat, Parma are confident they can maintain their élite status as they welcome back no fewer than six players from suspension.

Sextet return
Daniele Bonera, Jorge Bolano, Domenico Morfeo, Matteo Contini, Fabio Vignaroli and talismanic striker Alberto Gilardino all sat out the first encounter between the Emilia rivals and are eagerly awaiting the second.

Gilardino goodbye
"I am looking forward to it because it will probably be my last game for Parma," said Gilardino, who is expected to move on in the summer. "Before thinking about moving elsewhere, I want to help the team avoid relegation. I want to give our fans a goodbye present."

Travel travails
However, the Italian international admits his side will have to buck a season-long trend if they are to succeed - the UEFA Cup semi-finalists managed just two away wins in Serie A all term. "We have not played very well away from the Tardini but we are fully motivated and I am sure it will be different this time."

Touchline bans
Parma must do without coach Pietro Carmignani on the touchline after both he and Bologna counterpart Carlo Mazzone were red-carded following a fracas on Tuesday. The Gialloblú's veteran goalkeeper Luca Bucci and Bologna midfielder Christian Amoroso also miss the game after being dismissed in the same incident.