Sassuolo – Parma

Sassuolo was so close to get a result against Lazio last round but they ended up losing 2-3 in the final minutes, their 11th defeat in the last 12 games (and the 6th consecutive loss). Sassuolo`s stats are looking horrible with this disastrous run of form but the team did not play so bad in the last few games. The match against Lazio, the 0-1 defeat against Inter (both away), the win against AC Milan (4-3), this team has been close to getting results but bad luck and lack of experience are keeping them on the 20th place. Sassuolo is currently 4 points away from salvation, so all is not lost, and they will gain try their best to score some points today against Parma.

Sassuolo`s main problem has been it`s defense, 54 goals conceded, that`s more than 2 per game. On the offensive end they were pretty good so far, scoring 25 times, exactly 1 goal per game, not bad at all for the last placed team.

Parma (7th place) has been one of the most entertaining team to watch in this Serie A season, especially in the first part of 2013, when they were scoring at will but also allowing opponents to create chances. Lately Parma has improved defensively but they are still often involved in high scoring games, and that was their case in their last two outings: 4-0 at Atalanta, 2-2 vs. Fiorentina. The visitors have a goal difference of 38-29 in their 24 league matches. Parma is in excellent form right now, with 13 consecutive matches without a loss in Serie A and 5 wins in the last 7 matches.

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Team news & lineups

Sassuolo will again be depleted by injuries, with Alexe, Acerbi, Masucci, Terranova, Manfredini and Ziegler all unavailable. Parma is close to a clean bill of health and will only miss Gianni Munari.

Sassuolo: Pegolo – Mendes, Cannavaro, Ariaudo – Rosi, Biondini, Magnanelli, Brighi, Longhi – Berardi, Floccari

Parma: Mirante – Cassani, Paletta, Lucarelli – Biabiany, Gargano, Marchionni, Parolo, Molinaro – Cassano, Amauri

Both these sides are high scoring teams and with well over 2,5 goals scored in average in their matches, the stats are more than telling. Also, Sassuolo and Parma both play a system with 3 defenders which should make this a very open game, and both teams have their best players in attack (Berardi, Floccari / Cassano, Amauri). I honestly don`t understand the high odds for the over here, Parma and Sassuolo need points and they will go for the win, especially the visitors, so there`s really no premise for a rigid, underish encounter. Parma with Cassano (9 goals this season), Amauri, Parolo or Biabiany should cruise through the poor Sassuolo defense, while the energetic hosts will always have solid chances to score at home. Earlier this season Parma won 3-1 against today`s opponents. My tip is the over 2,5 goals bet with high stakes at excellent odds. Prediction: Sassuolo – Parma 2-2, I think the hosts can finally get a point after coming so close in the last few weeks (and performing well), despite Parma being the better and healthier side overall.

Pick: over 2,5 goals
Odds: 2.01 @ Sbobet
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 9.09
Event date: 2 March