Inter Milan haven't enjoyed the best of seasons either domestically or on the European stage, but their campaign will take a turn for the worse should they fail to earn three points against Parma on Saturday afternoon.
The beleaguered club have been declared bankrupt, but they hope to continue playing until the end of the season with the hope of finding new investment to compete in a lower league, with relegation from Serie A effectively confirmed.
Inter Milan
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When Roberto Mancini returned for a second spell in charge of Inter, the club was expected to make inroads up the Serie A standings, but things haven't turned out how the former Manchester City boss would have hoped.
The Nerazzurri have had their moments since his arrival, but four games without a league win have left the club 10 points adrift of fifth-placed Napoli, who occupy the final European spot.
The Italian giants have faced some strong opposition during the past month, but they desperately need points if they are to feature in the Europa League next season.
Mancini's main task should be to restore San Siro as a fortress for the remainder of the season after witnessing his team win just twice in their last eight games at their home ground.
Rodrigo Palacio and Mauro Icardi have provided the biggest threats for Inter in their most recent fixtures, with four of the team's last five goals coming from the duo, but there are increasing calls for Xherdan Shaqiri and Lukas Podolski to justify their arrival at the club in January.
Recent form: WWLDDL
Recent form (all competitions): LDLDLL
Parma
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It's been a sorry state of affairs for Parma in recent months, with the club's off-the-field problems rather than their abysmal results on the pitch dominating the headlines.
There will be a sense of relief at Stadio Ennio Tardini that the club are still in existence, but that doesn't take away the disappointment that they are about to exit the top tier of Italian football for the foreseeable future.
Their financial problems have inevitably hindered their performances, with no win being recorded in their last nine outings to leave the club 15 points away from safety, effectively 16 when you count the inferior goal difference.
Just one goal has been scored in their last five games, and they must do without suspended captain Alessandro Lucarelli for the trip to play Inter.
Parma boss Roberto Donadoni will be partly relying on the experience and ability of Antonio Nocerino, who is on loan from AC Milan, to help inspire his team on his return to familiar surroundings.
Recent form: LLDDLL
Team News
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After defeat to Sampdoria in their previous game, Mancini will make changes for Saturday's encounter, with Palacio in line to earn a recall to the side.
Podolski is expected to drop out, while Hernanes is a possible starter in place of Marcelo Brozovic in midfield.
As for Parma, they will welcome back Antonio Mirante after suspension, but Lucarelli is missing after being sent off against Torino before the international break.
His absence could see Andi Lila drop back into defence, with Daniele Galloppa potentially being brought into a five-man midfield.
Inter Milan possible starting lineup:
Handanovic, Vidic, Ranocchia, D'Ambrosio, Juan, Medel, Guarin, Shaqiri, Hernanes , Palacio, Icardi
Parma possible starting lineup:
Mirante, Cassani, Lila, Costa, Pedro Mendes, Nocerino, Galloppa, Jorquera, Silvestre Varela, Coda, Belfodil
Head To Head
Parma may have only won three times this season, but one of those victories came at home to Inter, with Paolo De Ciglie netting a goal in each half to condemn the visitors to a 2-0 defeat.
In fact, Parma have registered four victories over Inter in their last eight fixtures, but each of those wins have come at Stadio Ennio Tardini.
When taking a look at the bigger picture, Parma have failed to secure a victory at San Siro since 1999, a run stretching 15 games.
We say: Inter Milan 2-0 Parma
Regardless of their current form, this is a match that Inter must win to avoid the pressure increasing on Mancini. Earlier this season, Parma showed that they were no pushovers, despite their league position, but with a number of players having left Parma since that match, Inter should possess enough firepower to see off their opponents relatively comfortably.
Darren Plant
