Parma vs Juventus preview - Giovinco ready for Parma return

Posted Sunday, January 13, 2013 by PA

Sebastian Giovinco admits he has a lot to be thankful for ahead of his return to Parma, but the diminutive forward is now fully committed to the Juventus cause.

Seven years ago Juve Academy graduate Giovinco was being touted as one of the future stars of Serie A, but his sporadic appearances and inconsistent form saw him loaned out to Empoli and then Parma.

Giovinco became a firm fan favourite during his two-year spell at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, leading Parma's scoring charts last season to secure an eighth-placed finish before Juve re-signed him for 11million euros.

The 25-year-old has excelled on his return to Turin, scoring 10 goals, and is prepared to complete the transition by ending Parma's lengthy unbeaten home run on Sunday.

He told Sport Mediaset: "I owe Parma a lot because they believed in me and relaunched my career. We became a very tight unit under (Roberto) Donadoni, one that was difficult to beat.

"We need to kick on after the defeat to Sampdoria and we will do everything we can to come out on top in a tough challenge."

The Bianconeri are contesting the Scudetto, the Champions League and the Coppa Italia and Giovinco is wary of the pitfalls of such a busy schedule.

"We will face nine games in 35 days," he added. "The most delicate stage of the season is on its way, with a lot of important matches that are close together.

"This, however, is a good thing as it means we are in the running for all the trophies."

Juve are determined to avenge a shock 2-1 loss to Samp by claiming all three points at Parma, something they have not achieved since January 2010 and an outcome that would see Parma lose at home for the first time since March 2012.

Federico Peluso endured a difficult debut against Samp but the ex-Atalanta defender will continue at left-back in the absence of injured vice-captain Giorgio Chiellini.

Scans revealed heavy bruising to Claudio Marchisio's knee rather than a broken leg but the midfielder faces a late fitness test, with Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner unable to feature.

Parma boss Donadoni, who has now overseen three consecutive victories, is not frightened of a wounded Juve side.

"We can't pay attention to what Juve have done," he said. "On Sunday, apart from the strategy we will adopt, it is essential that we approach the game with a ferocious determination.

"The tactics aren't important, if the team all stick together and concentrate on playing a certain type of game then nothing will scare us.

"Juve are very strong, but we have to face up to them as best as we can otherwise it will be a very difficult match."