Stuttgart suffering in defence
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Article summary
Injury-hit VfB Stuttgart have defensive doubts before the delicately-balanced return against Parma FC.
Article body
VfB Stuttgart coach Matthias Sammer is facing an injury crisis and might have to comprehensively rearrange his defence for the UEFA Cup second leg against Parma FC at the Gottlieb Daimler Stadium on Thursday.
Many doubts
With the Round of 32 tie evenly poised following last week's 0-0 draw in Italy, Sammer has concerns over the fitness of former Germany defender Markus Babbel (hamstring) and three players with muscular problems, Matthieu Delpierre, Boris Zivkovic and Martin Stranzl. In addition, German international Philipp Lahm is definitely out due to a stress fracture to his right foot, while Swiss striker Marco Streller is nursing a fractured shinbone and fibula.
Still confident
Even though Stuttgart have plenty of concerns, they are still confident of success. And, despite last week's 0-0 draw, Sammer trusts in the goals of Kevin Kuranyi and Brazilian Cacau. The German international will be back after missing last week's first leg, while Cacau scored in the 1-0 weekend win against Hertha BSC Berlin.
Important win
Although Parma are struggling at the wrong end of Serie A, they scored an important 2-1 win against fellow strugglers Brescia Calcio at the weekend, and Stuttgart will treat them with respect. "We have to be extremely focused," Stranzl said. "We cannot afford to concede a goal because that could be deadly."
Stronger side
Parma, Italy's last UEFA Cup contenders, can expect a tough game but coach Pietro Carmignani, who rested several players from the first leg to concentrate on the relegation battle with Brescia, said he would play a stronger side, including one of his goalscorers on Sunday, Alberto Gilardino.
Parma absentees
Carmignani said: "I will rest fewer players because many of them were not happy when I left them out. Everyone has asked me to be involved and that shows that we have the right mentality in the squad." However, he will be without suspended midfield player Vincenzo Grella and Domenico Morfeo, another weekend goalscorer who remained in Italy after picking up an injury. Fabio Vignaroli is also out with the flu.
