Parma Coach Roberto D’Aversa warns he won’t risk new buy Juraj Kucka from the start against “tactically difficult” Udinese today.
“The team is coming off the right period of rest, we’ve worked well over the last two weeks, but well aware we must immediately start the new year with the same determination and intensity with which we ended 2018,” said the Coach in his Press conference.
The Ducali have made some adjustments to the squad already during this January transfer window and brought in Kucka from Trabzonspor.
“I can tell you now that Kucka will not be in the starting XI, as he has been unable to train for 10 days due to a bruised foot, so needs a little time to find his fitness. Luca Rigoni is not in the squad, as he is still struggling after a sprain last week in training.”
Udinese have also invested with Stefano Okaka and Marvin Zeegelaar from Watford.
“Since Davide Nicola took over at Udinese, they have picked up nine points from seven games and found their balance again. His influence was clear in the victories over Roma and Cagliari,” continued D’Aversa.
“It’s going to be a difficult match and tactically I expect Udinese to hold out with five in defence. Okaka is a very physical striker, but also knows how to attack with pace.
“Their current position in the table does not reflect their real quality, but we can have our say with the right attitude if we fight for every ball.
“We had an extraordinary first half to the season, but I can’t get the defeat to Roma out of my mind. I want us to channel that anger and transform it into positive energy.”
Amato Ciciretti is left out of the squad, largely because he is on the market and fielding offers, while Roberto Inglese returns.
Parma squad for Udinese: Bagheria, Frattali, Sepe; Bruno Alves, Bastoni, Dimarco, Gagliolo, Gazzola, Gobbi, Iacoponi, Sierralta; Barillà, Deiola, Dezi, Kucka, Scozzarella, Stulac; Baraye, Biabiany, Ceravolo, Di Gaudio, Gervinho, Inglese, Siligardi, Sprocati