Empoli vs Parma preview - Things look bleak for Parma - 7M sport

Empoli vs Parma preview - Things look bleak for Parma



Posted Saturday, April 18, 2015 by PA

Bottom side Parma visit Empoli on Sunday after receiving a four-point deduction this week as punishment for their financial irregularities.

Former Parma owner Giampietro Manenti and ex-sporting director Pietro Leonardi were each handed six-month bans from football.

The Ducale club had already been docked three Serie A points earlier this season for missed wages.

Parma players have not been paid since July.

The latest punishment may be the final nail in Parma's coffin as it leaves the Ducale club 17 points adrift of safety with eight games remaining.

"It's not a surprise," Parma captain Alessandro Lucarelli said on the club's official website.

"We expected this decision after the club failed to respect the financial deadline last February.

"Now our situation in the standings has worsened further. But our determination on the pitch will not be less.

"As always we will try to give everything in order to complete the season with strong performances out of respect for everyone."

Parma showed great determination in inflicting only a second defeat of the season on Serie A leaders Juventus last weekend.

Jose Mauri's goal handed Parma a 1-0 triumph and their fifth win of the campaign.

Roberto Donadoni's side could not maintain the momentum however, losing 2-0 at Genoa in their midweek rescheduled game.

"It wasn't our best performance," Donadoni said. "We didn't show the same intensity as we did against Juve. We lacked energy and belief.

"We must continue to work hard and focus on our next game."

Empoli, coached by Maurizio Sarri, are also battling to avoid the drop and seek home comfort this weekend.

The Tuscan outfit fell 4-0 at Lazio last time out, having previously lost 2-0 at Juventus to fall to 15th place.

Empoli are 11 points clear of the drop zone and are unbeaten at the Carlo Castellani stadium since January 26.

Parma are without striker Cristobal Jorquera, who is suspended.



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