Maurizio Lagana - Getty Images
Parma, having drawn three in a row, are forced to travel to Catania, where no team has come away with all three points yet this season.
At the fortress of Stadio Angelo Massimino, Catania are prepared to hunker down and defend their home. Having conceded 11 goals thus far this season (four coming at Bologna last weekend), they've only let in three in Sicily, and earned seven points in the process. Their average attendance last season might have been just under 15,000, but there's something about their stadium that exerts a powerful hoodoo over the visitors.
The rossazzurri are also dead-set on overcoming last week's depressing loss to Bologna. Despite a strong start to the match, the home side were simply too strong, and every shot they made seemed destined for goal. The loss of defender Nicolas Spolli to injury in the 25th minute couldn't have helped matters, either -- the Argentine will miss out this week as well.
But if you're looking for a side bent on beating Catania at home, it wouldn't be Parma on whom you'd place your bet. Their last three matches have ended as 1-1 draws, and they've picked up just one point on the road. The ducali have just six goals from six, spread among six players. And no, Amauri isn't one of those six. It's clear that Parma are suffering from a lack of a certain Sebastian Giovinco, and haven't yet figured out how to adequately compensate for his absence.
Theoretically, it should be simple enough for Catania to win, as Gonzalo Bergessio, Alejandro Gómez and Pablo Barrientos should be able to carve away at a Parma defence that's set on leaving with a point. But the elefanti have a certain charm about them, one that allows them to drop points in the most head-scratching of manners.
Catania injuries and suspensions
Nicolás Spolli, Pietro Terracciano (injured); Ciro Capuano (suspended)
Spolli is certainly a loss in defence, but I think Mariano Andújar can handle reserve 'keeper Terracciano being hurt.
Parma injuries and suspensions
Raffaele Palladino (injured), Fabiano Santacroce (questionable)
The winger won't be making the trip to Sicily, but Santacroce tags along, hoping he'll be set for Sunday.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, October 7, at 3 p.m. local / 9 a.m. ET
Venue: Stadio Angelo Massimino, Catania
TV: Sky Calcio 5 (Italy). The rest of you are screwed.
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