For the Parma-Empoli match, which will be played at the Tardini, Roberto D’Aversa will have to do without Sebastiano Esposito, one of his most talented players, due to a muscle problem. His presence is also in doubt for next Wednesday’s match against Inter. The coach tries to maintain an optimistic attitude in the face of the player’s absence: “I’m used to looking at the glass half full. Even if Esposito won’t be with us, I’m sure that whoever replaces him will give their all to show off. In the end, what matters is determination and the desire to do well”. It is likely that the Norwegian Solbakken will take Esposito’s place, alongside Fazzini and supporting Colombo in attack.
On the other hand, Empoli are coming off two defeats and intend to find the good rhythm shown at the beginning of the season. D’Aversa comments: “In the last two games we were unable to get the results we hoped for, but the team has always shown a good performance. Against Napoli we played an excellent first hour; we cannot afford to play like that and end up 0-0. The second half was more balanced, but there is regret for how we managed the first two thirds of the game. We must improve in the final choices and show more determination in capitalizing on the opportunities created”.
For D’Aversa, the match is also a special moment as he returns to the Tardini as an opponent after having led Parma for almost four years, taking them from Serie C to Serie A and securing two consecutive salvations. “Returning here is significant,” he says. “I have very strong memories of my experience in Parma and of the people I shared that journey with. However, now I am an opponent and I want to recover what we lost against Napoli.” The Empoli coach recognizes Parma’s qualities: “They have talented young players with great physical power. We will have to be very careful.”
Speaking about their opponent, D’Aversa stresses that he doesn’t see Parma as a lesser team: “They have made significant investments in recent years and their recent performances can be misleading; they have also been influenced by some expulsions.”
The match promises to be intense and hard-fought, with both teams determined to get a positive result to relaunch themselves in the championship.
Trump’s Tariff Plans: A Day-One Agenda Against Drug and Human Trafficking In a bold move to combat drug and human smuggling, President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to impose significant tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China immediately after his inauguration on January 20.
Government Unveils “Get Britain Working” Initiative to Combat Unemployment In a bid to rejuvenate the UK job market, the government has introduced its ambitious “Get Britain Working” initiative, promising extensive reforms aimed at reducing the benefits bill and increasing employment.