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Team News
Juventus boss Antonio Conte will be unable to count with the services of Simone Pepe for the clash, but he will be able to count with striker Mirko Vucinic, who is expected to start the game from the kick-off after having recovered from injury. However, it is unknown whether Uruguayan defender Martin Caceres will feature in Juve's starting eleven, after scoring twice against AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-finals last week.
Meanwhile, Roberto Donadoni, the new coach of Parma, will reinforce his backline with former Boca Juniors defender Gabriel Paletta. But the coach has yet to decide whether to select Nicola Pavarini in goal instead of a doubtful Antonio Mirante.
Form
La Vecchia Signora continue to remain unbeaten after 22 Serie A games this season, and will return to the league summit if they manage to claim maximum points against Parma. Juve may trail league leaders Milan by two points, but have two matches in hand, as they had two games postponed due to severe weather conditions. Conte’s team come into the game after having picked up a crucial 2-1 victory over Milan in the Coppa Italia last week, but they were held to a goalless home draw by Siena in their most recent league game over a week ago.
Parma enter the game in fine form, after having claimed eight points in their last four matches, since the appointment of Donadoni. The Gialloblu beat Siena 3-1, were held to successive away draws by Bologna and Catania, before edging Chievo 2-1 in their latest league fuxture.
Head-to-head
Parma have had the edge over their opponents in recent meetings, as before being thrashed 4-1 by Juventus last September they had won their previous three encounters, including two straight victories in the 2010-11 Serie A campaign.
Prediction
A spirited Parma may have picked up their game significantly since the appointment of Donadoni, however, they still appear to be on a lower scale when compared to an unbeaten Juventus. The Bianconeri are likely to face a stiff battle, but in the end their overall depth will prove too hot to handle for the hosts.
The Verdict:
