Parma vs Palermo, Preview: Terrible travellers visit fortress Tardini

Those "fresh signings" at Palermo consist of ex-Napoli defensive calamity Salvatore Aronica and Genoa's bit part midfielder Anselmo. Ok, perhaps "bolstered" is the wrong word. Onwards!

Just when you think Palermo are getting it together, they lose. Again. The poor, poor Sicilians' struggles with homesickness whenever they cross the Strait of Messina have continued this season, having won only four times away from home in the last two years.

They won't be too hopeful of curing this debilitative problem against Parma -- a side who have equally freakish form, albeit at home. Roberto Donadoni's side haven't lost a league match at the Tardini since March 2012. The gialloblù look remarkably comfy sitting up in 8th place, while Palermo look ever more uncomfortable in their continued relegation struggle.

Palermo are a side which you always assume will eventually sort themselves out, though with half the season gone, their position in the relegation zone looks increasingly dangerous. Amazingly, Maurizio Zamparini continues to resist the urge to press the big red "FIRE" button, though more bad results will undoubtedly have serious ramifications for Gian Piero Gasperini -- a coach who was linked with the vacant position at Parma before Donadoni arrived.

It could be an interesting match, with both sides capable of playing attacking football when in the mood. Of late, though, Palermo have been more offensive to the eyes than offensive on the field, and Salvatore Aronica -- who is expected to start -- isn't going to help change that.

Parma Injuries and Suspensions

Out: Daniele Galloppa, Cristian Zaccardo (injured) Jaime Valdés (suspended).

Palermo Injuries and Suspensions

Out: Massimo Donati, Abel Hernández, Andrea Mantovani (injured) Ezequiel Muñoz (suspended). In doubt: Fabrizio Miccoli.

Match Date / Time: Sunday 6th January 2013 3:00 p.m. local, 9:00 a.m. ET

Venue: Stadio Ennio Tardini, Parma, Italy

TV: Sky Calcio 5 (Italy)