Roberto Donadoni's side haven't had the best of domestic starts. A goalless draw against Chievo Verona was followed by a 3-1 loss at Udinese. In contrast, new Roma boss Rudi Garcia has enjoyed two wins -albeit both came against promoted sides Livorno and Hellas Verona. A positive result at the Tardini will build vital momentum ahead of next weekend's Derby della Capitale with city rivals Lazio.
Parma vs AS Roma, preview: In-form Giallorossi face Parma roadblock
Parma are searching for their first victory of the season, while AS Roma look to maintain their 100% start.
Despite losing key attacking talents Pablo Osvaldo and Erik Lamela to the Premier League, the Giallorossi have brought in Adem Ljajic from Fiorentina. The ex-Viola man netted a debut goal in the 3-0 victory over Verona and has seamlessly slotted in to the new look Roma attack, which now also boasts former Arsenal man Gervinho.
Parma's new jewel in their crown is former Roma man Antonio Cassano. He opened his account in the Udinese loss and will need no motivation to try and put one over his former employers. Despite being a lightning rod for controversy over the years, the enigmatic striker has shown he still possesses the midas touch in front of goal and is more than capable of causing the side he served between 2001-06 plenty of problems.
Defender Gabriel Paletta looks unlikely to be fit for the Ducali and is set to join long term injury victim Daniele Galloppa on the sidelines. The visitors must do without Michael Bradley and Mattia Destro, while Mehdi Benatia and Marco Borriello face fitness tests. The latter is very much a reserve choice these days after a deadline day move back to Genoa was scuppered.
Parma edged a five goal thriller in this rain-soaked fixture last season. However, that loss was Roma's first in eight years at the Tardini. Prior to last season, the Giallorossi had won on five of their last six league visits, earning a draw on the other occasion.
Parma injuries and suspensions
Out: Gabriel Paletta, Daniele Galloppa (injured)
AS Roma injuries and suspensions
Out: Michael Bradley, Mattia Destro (injured)
Projected lineups
Parma: Mirante, Benalouane, Felipe, Lucarelli, Marchionni, Parolo, Biabiany, Valdes, Gobbi, Cassano, Amauri
AS Roma: De Sanctis, Maicon, Benatia, Castan, Balzaretti, De Rossi, Pjanic, Strootman, Florenzi, Totti, Ljajic
Match date/time: Monday 16th September 2013, 8:45p.m local, 2:45p.m ET
Venue: Stadio Ennio Tardini, Parma
TV: Sky Calcio 1, Sky Supercalcio HD (Italy) beIN Sport Play, beIN Sport USA (U.S) BT Sport 1 (UK)
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