Preview: Parma vs. Sampdoria - prediction, team news, lineups

Parma and Sampdoria square off in Serie A on Sunday afternoon with just two points separating the clubs in the standings.

While Sampdoria sit two places adrift of their hosts in 14th position, Claudio Ranieri has guided ‎I Blucerchiati to four victories from five matches.

Match preview

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Upon the resumption of Serie A, Sampdoria found themselves just one point above the relegation zone, naturally leading to concerns that one of the nation's most famous clubs could drop down to the second tier for the first time since 2012.

However, Ranieri has led a resurgence at Stadio Luigi Ferraris, putting together a return of 12 points from their last five games to move the club out of trouble.

Holding a nine-point advantage over the bottom three with five matches remaining, those associated with Sampdoria will feel confident that they can relax during the closing weeks of the campaign.

Nevertheless, Ranieri will sense an opportunity to finish as high as ninth as the clubs above them struggle for any kind of consistency.

Federico Bonazzoli and Manolo Gabbiadini have been the stars of the show in recent games, contributing five of Sampdoria's last six goals.

While Sampdoria have only been on an upward trajectory, the same cannot be said of Parma who face a fight to get back into the top half of the table.

After collecting just one point from their last half a dozen games, I Gialloblu have dropped out of contention for the Europa League and into 12th position.

Although games against Inter Milan, Roma and AC Milan have been played during that period, Roberto D'Aversa will naturally be disheartened by the performances of his side.

Like their next opponents, however, ninth position remains within their grasp, and victory on Sunday would also end any lingering concerns over being dragged closer to the bottom three.

Parma Serie A form: LLLLDL

Sampdoria Serie A form: LWWLWW

Team News

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After Andreas Cornelius's injury in midweek, Roberto Inglese is expected to deputise in the Parma attack.

Kastriot Dermaku could get the nod over Bruno Alves in defence after replacing the veteran at half time against Milan.

Ranieri may make at least one change to his in-form Sampdoria side, bringing in Fabio Quagliarella as a replacement for Bonazzoli.

Bartosz Bereszynski could also be brought back into the starting lineup at right-back.

Parma possible starting lineup: Sepe; Laurini, Iacoponi, Dermaku, Gagliolo; Hernani, Brugman, Kurtic; Kulusevski, Inglese, Gervinho

Sampdoria possible starting lineup: Audero; Bereszynski, Yoshida, Colley, Augello; Depaoli, Thorsby, Ekdal, Jankto; Quagliarella, Gabbiadini

© Sports Mole / SM

We say: Parma 1-2 Sampdoria

Given the contrasting form of the two clubs, we cannot back anything other than a Sampdoria win. Although Parma may be competitive for much of the contest, we feel that the extra cutting edge of the visitors will ultimately shine through.