Parma will dump Fiorentina out of Coppa
Hernan Crespo is more familiar than most with the Champions League having scored 28 goals in the competition, netting twice in the memorable 2004-05 Final, so when he says that "for us the Coppa Italia is like the Champions League", there can be little doubt that Parma are taking it seriously.
And considering most Italian teams prefer to treat their domestic cup like the Europa League - and we all know how dreadfully Serie A clubs are faring in that - there's no reason why the Gialloblu can't cause an upset, especially as they were the last side away from Rome or Milan to lift the trophy in 2001-02.
They host the first last-16 match tonight against the club they succeeded as champions nine years ago, Fiorentina, in a game that Betfair customers can watch courtesy of Betfair Live Video.
Parma are [2.5] favourites despite losing to the Viola 2-0 in Tuscany in September simply because the visitors are still waiting for their first away victory under Sinisa Mihajlovic, while only leaders AC Milan have beaten Parma at the Stadio Tardini this season.
Pasquale Marino's side have an awful recent Coppa Italia record, progressing from just one of their last six encounters - a home triumph over then third-tier Portogruaro Summaga after extra-time in 2008 - but if everyone at Parma shares Crespo's outlook, this is a fixture they should be confident of winning.
Fiorentina are yet to concede in the competition having seen off Empoli and Reggina at home, and have gradually improved as the campaign has gone on, so it will be close, especially as Parma's defence has leaked more regularly of late. The most appealing correct score bet is 2-1 at [10.5].
Parma v Fiorentina
Kick-off: 8pm
Live on ESPN and Betfair Live Video
Think Fiorentina's travelling troubles won't carry over into the Coppa Italia? They are [3.35] to end their nine-month wait for away success this evening...
Published: 14 Dec 2010
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