As the tension builds in Serie A, Juventus is set to face Parma in a crucial clash at the Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 23, 2025. This match, originally scheduled for Monday, was postponed due to the passing of Pope Francis, reshuffling the Italian football calendar. The Bianconeri, currently in fifth place with 59 points, are eager to secure a Champions League spot for next season and can leapfrog into the qualification places with a positive result against a Parma side battling to avoid relegation.
Kick-off is slated for 18:30 CET (17:30 BST), and fans can catch the action live on OneFootball and TNT Sports in the UK, with streaming options available on Paramount+ and Fox Deportes in the USA.
Juventus manager Igor Tudor has made a bold decision by starting Dusan Vlahovic and Randal Kolo Muani together for the first time. This attacking duo is expected to lead the charge against Parma, who are struggling to find their footing this season. Kenan Yildiz, who was initially set to start, is sidelined due to an injury, while Teun Koopmeiners is also unavailable. The Bianconeri will be without several key players, including Gleison Bremer, Juan Cabal, Arkadiusz Milik, Federico Gatti, and Samuel Mbangula.
Parma, under the guidance of Cristian Chivu, is expected to adopt a 3-5-2 formation, hoping to capitalize on home advantage. The Gialloblu have struggled, sitting 16th in the league and just four points above the relegation zone. They come into this match with five draws in their last six games, including a scoreless stalemate against Fiorentina. Key players for Parma include Ange-Yoan Bonny, who has netted six goals this season, and Mateo Pellegrino, who will be looking to exploit Juventus' defense.
Historically, Juventus has dominated this fixture, remaining unbeaten in their last seven Serie A meetings with Parma, scoring 17 goals while conceding only eight. The last encounter ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, a reminder that complacency could be costly for the Bianconeri as they push for Champions League qualification.
The stakes are high for both teams. Juventus aims to maintain their momentum after a recent 2-1 victory over Lecce, extending their unbeaten run to three matches. With only six games remaining in the season, every point is crucial in the race for European football. A victory today would not only boost their confidence but also solidify their position in the top four.
On the other hand, Parma is desperate for points as they fight to stay in Serie A. With a recent home streak of three unbeaten matches, they will look to capitalize on this momentum against a team with European ambitions. The tension in the air is palpable as both teams take to the field, each with their own objectives and aspirations.
As fans settle in for what promises to be an exciting encounter, all eyes will be on Vlahovic, who, despite not having scored against Parma in his career, has been instrumental in setting up goals for his teammates. His partnership with Kolo Muani could prove pivotal in breaking down Parma's defense.
Juventus' tactical discipline and defensive solidity will be put to the test, especially against a Parma side that thrives on counter-attacks. Tudor's side has shown resilience, but they must remain vigilant to avoid being caught out by Parma's attacking threats.
The match is not just about points; it's a battle of wills, a clash of ambitions, and a test of character. As the players warm up and the fans roar, the atmosphere at the Stadio Tardini is electric. Will Juventus secure a vital win in their quest for Champions League football, or will Parma pull off a surprise and strengthen their fight against relegation?
This Serie A clash is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter, and as the clock ticks down to kick-off, anticipation builds for what could be a decisive match in the season's final stretch.
