Parma captain out for season

Experienced defender Giuseppe Cardone may miss the rest of the season with Parma FC after suffering serious ligament damage to his left knee in training.

Surgery needed
The 32-year-old captain will undergo surgery on Thursday and will be out of action for at least six months. Cardone is in his fifth campaign at Parma, having also played for Bologna FC, AC Milan, Vicenza Calcio, AC Venezia and Piacenza FC. Despite their shaky Serie A form, the Gialloblù have enjoyed a good start in the UEFA Cup, seeing off FC Rubin Kazan in the first round before winning 2-1 at Odense BK on their Group D debut. Their next game will be at home against SC Heerenveen on 23 November.