Preview: Benevento vs. Parma - prediction, team news, lineups

Parma head into Saturday's fixture at Benevento sitting four points adrift of safety in the Serie A standings, a consequence of winning just three matches all season.

Having stunned Juventus in their most recent game, the home side welcome their relegation rivals to Municipal Stadium Ciro Vigorito holding a seven-point advantage over the bottom three.

Match preview

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When Parma ended a 17-match winless streak to defeat Roma on March 14, there was a feeling that Roberto D'Aversa 's side had turned a corner in their bid to avoid relegation.

However, losing from a winning position at home to Genoa has changed the mood at Stadio Ennio Tardini, leaving D'Aversa with the international break to decide on a plan of action.

With Torino still in close proximity, D'Aversa will not panic at this stage of the campaign, but his side cannot afford to lose their upcoming fixture.

Despite remaining with the worst attacking record in the division, Parma have scored in their last seven fixtures, helped by Graziano Pelle netting his first goal for the club in the last match.

Benevento have also endured an unproductive spell of late, recording just one win from 12 matches played since January 9.

Nevertheless, that one victory, which came immediately before the international break, was against champions Juventus, the 1-0 triumph in Turin delivering a hammer blow to their opponents' title chances.

One-time Manchester United target Adolfo Gaich netted the all-important goal, his second strike in five matches since his January arrival.

Filippo Inzaghi will receive widespread plaudits if he manages to keep Benevento in the top flight, but the AC Milan legend will not be satisfied with survival in the top flight.

Of their last 10 fixtures of the season, Gli Stregoni's only have two games against teams currently occupying a place in the top six of the table.

Benevento Serie A form:

D

L

L

D

L

W

Parma Serie A form:

D

D

L

D

W

L

Team News

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Barring any late fitness issues, Inzaghi could select the same side which started the fixture at Juventus.

However, Kamil Glik is back from suspension, leaving Inzaghi to decide whether he should recall the Poland international after three appearances for his country.

D'Aversa may consider handing a start to January arrival Joshua Zirkzee, who has been restricted to four substitute outings since his arrival from Bayern Munich.

Hernani could be recalled to the side in place of Jasmin Kurtic, while D'Aversa may consider handing a rest to Juraj Kucka after a busy period with Slovakia.

Benevento possible starting lineup:

Montipo; Tuia, Barba, Caldirola; Improta, Hetemaj, Viola, Ionita, Foulon; Lapadula, Gaich

Parma possible starting lineup:

Sepe, Conti, Osorio, Bani, Pezzella; Kucka, Brugman, Hernani; Zirkee, Pelle, Karamoh

We say: Benevento 1-1 Parma

With safety the target of both clubs, they face the prospect of being caught between pushing for victory and looking to avoid defeat in this game. With that in mind, we expect a tense affair, one which could end with the two sides accepting a point apiece.

Top tip

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