Parma are on the edge of the Serie B chasm and Hector Cuper realises every point counts in today’s play-off with Reggina.
With four rounds to go there are three teams level on 30 points at the foot of the table – Livorno, Empoli and Reggina – with the Gialloblu on 31.
“This is a head-to-head battle with a direct opponent in the relegation race,” warned the former Inter Coach.
“If we at least manage to draw, then we will remain above Reggina. Then we’ll have to wait and see what the other results are, but one thing is for certain – we must not lose.
“Another defeat would be devastating both for the standings and in psychological terms, as two losses on the trot are difficult to deal with.
“If we get all three points then that is wonderful, but one could be enough.”
Parma are in dire straits after their ill-tempered 2-1 home loss to Napoli last week and the effect is felt in the disciplinary chart.
Fernando Couto sits out a three-match ban, Andrea Gasbarroni two, while Giulio Falcone, McDonald Mariga and Paolo Castellini are also suspended.
Bernardo Corradi, Andrea Pisanu, Igor Budan and Domenico Morfeo are injured, while Ferdinand Coly is a doubt, as he has not played for two months.
“Even if we are missing key players, we cannot think of sitting back and defending for 90 minutes. I have to think of a strong Parma and know it will be an incredible atmosphere with constant noise from the stands, but a player must be able to resist.”
