Parma were struggling in the relegation zone until very recently but last weekend’s 1-0 win against Bari away from home in Serie A came as a welcome relief and propelled them out of the reach of the bottom-three, at least for now.
The win in Bari was the Crociati’s first league victory on the road and pushed them up to 14th in the standings on 14 points, three points above the relegation zone. However, Parma are one of three clubs on that margin and given the congestion in the table, they cannot take anything for granted.
Against a Lazio side who have returned to winning ways and are fighting for the Scudetto, Parma have to be especially careful and try to limit their aspirations to a draw at home. Pasquale Marino’s side have a formidable defensive record at the Stadio Ennio Tardini as they have conceded just twice in six league fixtures and they will have to continue to perform solidly at the back.
Flying High Again
Back-to-back defeats to Roma and Cesena had inspired doubts to raise their ugly heads as Lazio were knocked off their perch at the top of the table in Serie A. Their performance in those two defeats was insipid too as Edy Reja’s side failed to maintain their fluid, attacking football.
However, last weekend the Aquile were released out of their cage and soared high in the sky, defeating an impressive Napoli side 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico. The three points gained kept Lazio in second place in Serie A with 25 points from 12 matches, just one behind leaders Milan.
It now remains to be seen whether Lazio can once again embark on a winning run. The victory against one of Italy’s stronger and ambitious sides will have surely injected a healthy dose of confidence in them and now the players will try to muster a win at Parma with an assurance that they have won four league games on the road so far this campaign.
TEAM NEWS
Parma
Paloschi and Galloppa are unavailable because of injuries. Paletta is suspended.
Lazio
Meghni and Quadri are out because of injuries.
Prediction
Lazio have looked comfortable on the road this campaign and it is very much likely that they will return from Parma with a win. It may not be very pretty though.
Parma 1-2 Lazio 
