The men from Verona go into the encounter on the back of a narrow defeat to Fiorentina that left them one point behind Torino, who hold the last safety position.

"It is a pity that we gave away that goal," said Del Neri.

"We lost our concentration at one stage of the game and it ended up costing us dearly."

With four games left to play, Del Neri knows his men must get their act together if they wish to avoid relegation.

The Flying Donkeys face a mighty battle in the race to avoid the drop after five consecutive campaigns in the top flight, with games against strugglers Reggina, Ascoli and Catania awaiting them next.

"In order to avoid the drop by season's end we must defend as we did against Fiorentina but attack better," said Del Neri.

"From Sunday onwards, we face teams that are also fighting to avoid the drop and each game will be a final."

Del Neri has reason to be wary for Claudio Ranieri's Parma have hit form at just the right time. Last weekend's 2-1 win against Cagliari marked their third successive triumph and has seen the Ducale club climb to 13th in the standings.

"In the crucial stage of the season we are proving to our fans that we are a good team," said Parma defender Ferdinand Coly.

"We always go out on the pitch with the willingness to win.

"Now we have the upper hand to avoid the drop and it's down to us to defend our Serie A status.

"We must win our next two games against Chievo and Messina."

The enthusiasm in Parma is understandable as not so long ago the Ducale club looked to be heading straight to the second division.

However, since Ranieri took over, the Gialloblu have turned their fortunes around.

But the former Chelsea boss is aware his team still have a lot of work to do as they are only three points clear of the drop zone.

"There are still four games left to play," said Ranieri. "We must continue to show this positive attitude on the pitch and to remain focused. We are getting closer to our aim, which is to avoid the drop and I think if we continue to play as we are doing we will celebrate by season's end."

The hosts, who remain unbeaten at the Bentegodi stadium since January 17, will be hoping to recover midfield duo Luciano and Franco Semioli, who are struggling with minor injuries, while striker Federico Cossato has returned to fitness and will be available for selection.

The visitors will have all their players available with the exception of injured defender Giuseppe Cardone.