COLLECCHIO- Many smiles, but few jokes from Renzo Ulivieri in his last press conference prior to the team going into private preparation for the match with Lille. This is an enormously important game for the club, and the coach made no attempt to hide it. "We are, and I am, very emotional, this is normal and we can't hide it. It's a really important match, and we must do everything possible to not fail." As the coach outlined, there are many reasons to want to go further in the cup; "We worked extremely hard, right up until the end of the last season to earn this palce, and we can't allow ourselves to be eliminated now. It would be both a technical defeat, and a blow to our public image. Furthermore, lets not forget the economic importance of this tournament, on which the club is putting great stress." The coach then turned his focus to the French side stating that; "It won't be an easy match, as they have already played two matches in their league championship, so they'll be in good shape, whilst we are still struggling a little to find our rhythm."
Regarding Lille, the coach also added that; "A team that has done so well in the French championship last year, can't only be strong physically. From the tactical point of view, they are well organised on the pitch, and it doesn't matter if they don't have much international experience. This match will, afterall, be won by the side that is better technically and tactically, as well as by the side that holds up best physically." Digging in his memory, Ulivieri stated that Lille reminded him of "My old side at Bologna; the one with Kennet Andersson.Their strength lies in long balls played towards a tall striker, in his case Bakari. How to beat them? Well against my Bologna, Parma beat us four times out of four, only due to great luck. So I guess that we can't learn anything from that!" PARMA LINE UP Parma 3-4-1-2 Frey; Djetou, Sensini, Cannavaro; Bachini, Lamouchi, Almeyda, Junior; Nakata; Milosevic, Di Vaio (Taffarel, Mangone, Benarrivo, Appiah, Marchionni, Micoud, Mboma) Tr. Ulivieri Ulivieri was now in full flow; "I fear two things in particular in this match; our physical condition, and their natural physical strength.We'll have to show great character to overcome these problems. Furthermore, it's not as if anything will be decided at the Tardini; It's a match played over 180 minutes, and we have to go to Lille for the second leg". Finally, Ulivieri rebuked journalists wanting to speak about the importance of certain individuals, saying that "We will only win this match through a group effort. It won't be Nakata's match, nor Cannavaro's. Against this type of opponent, you only win by playing as a team".
COLLECCHIO- He could be the first important injury absence of the new Parma season, but Sabri Lamouchi, still hasn't given up hope of playing on Wednesday against Lille. Afflicted by a microfracture to one of the toes on his left foot, Lamouchi is having to train aside from the other players, in a restricted manner, but he still sees a glimmer of hope for Wednesday night. "I really want to be their for the away leg of the match against Lille, and as there are a few days still to go, I'll grit my teeth and soldier on. However, with each passing day, it seems more difficult to get my physical condition right".
Does the chance to play against a French team, motivate you even more? "The fact of playing in the Champions League is motivation enough! To play matches in a competition of such grandeur, gives a real stimulation. That we are playing against a French team, counts for relatively little".
What chance do you think Parma has of getting through this round? "An excellent chance! Many people continue to say that we are weaker than we were last year, but I really don't agree. There have been a lot of changes, and maybe the difficult thing will be for us to settle in together. However, once we have done that I think that we will be every bit as imposing a side as last year; perhaps even more so".
Martin Djetou? You know him well "I played with him for two seasons, and I think that he is the complete defender. We even won a league title together. I think he plays in a way similar to Cannavaro, but he also has an incredible physical presence. In that side of the game, he never comes off second best".
Nakata? "He is a complete player. In these recent friendlies, he has left everyone open-mouthed with awe. You'll see that this will be his year".
THE REPORT : In area swoop by Lucarelli, Frey blocks. Nakata serves up a free kick in the area hooked by Ferrari at far goalpost, ball out. Falsini tries hi right foot kick, ball out. Marchionni crosses toward Di Vaio who services a central ball to Mboma, out. Penalty kick. Deep pass by Mangone, Mboma passes through to Di Vaio, unfairly tackled by Fissore. From the spot, Mboma's precise kick: ball on the right, goalkeeper to the left. Marchionni side services Benarrivo; the captain crosses, too high for Nakata possible header. Far free kick by Pinga, the line-up kicks back. Mboma disengages himself at edge of the area serviced by Nakata's assist. Sorrentino cleverly pushes back the ball. Excellent side play by Mboma who dribbles Fissore. The action proceeds, but Nakata fails to target the net. Pinga earns draw from penalty: quick play by Torino and Falsini, in the area, pushes Franco Ramallo from the back. Pinga scores from the spot. Beautiful left cross by Nakata and Mboma's header ends high over the crossbar.
SAINT VINCENT (AOSTA)- Ninety minutes and thirtyeight penalties. The firts edition of the Mont Blanc Trophy,Casino la Vall?e Cup, is mainly a penalty kick parade. Both semi against Sampdoria and final against Torino, Parma result decided from spot-kicks after the ordinaty times (45' match each) both ended 1-1. In the end Torino soccer team, trained by Cremolese raised the Cup, after winning 6-5 in the final. Decisive, Micoud and Maini's wide shots from the spot. During the 45'-match both Mboma and Pinga scored from penalties themselves after Fissore and Falsini's fouls. However, an important test for Parma with Nakata and Micoud contesting all the 90' minutes. Good physical shape showed by Milosevic and Sebastian Frey, the last awarded as best in tournament. Watching the match from the stand: Lille trainer Vahid Halihodzic (next Parma opponent in the Champions League pre-round, and Marcello Lippi (Juventus trainer).
THE PARMA vs TORINO FINAL: Maspero's mistake helps nourishing a dream; Micoud and Maini, on the other hand grant the trophy to Torino. This is pretty much the Mont Blanc Trophy final, decided first by Fissori and Falsini's fouls in the penalty area and then by penalties. As for Parma, good performances by Nakata (contestin the entire semi) and Marchionni (inexhaustible at the right). faultless, as usual captain Benarrivo's defence.
LA-SALLE (AOSTA) - With grit and passion. Parma president, dr. Stefano Tanzi confirms, also during the official presentation of Parma, the spirits that will support the team for the season to come. Great enthusiasm and, above all, great optimism.
"I believe the team and the entire staff, have the proper attitude to start this new adventure. Of course, now they're slightly tired because of the tough work they've undergone, but they're also aware they've been training with great devotion to prepare a future hopefully rich in satisfactions."
Today, as well goes around the motto: "We have grit and passion". "The catchword has been selected for the new season ticket campaign, because properly representing our team spirits. Grit is part of Parma Football Team, passion possibly coming from the fans."
Is there a new attitude within this Parma, made up of many new faces?