Parma handed further points deduction

Parma’s faint hopes of surviving in Serie A this season have been dealt a huge blow after suffering another points deduction.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Thursday that Roberto Donadoni’s side will be docked another four points as part of their punishment for not paying their players and subsequently being declared bankrupt with debts of €218million.

It is the third time this season that the beleaguered club have been punished by the FIGC and makes their relegation to Serie B almost inevitable.

The deduction sees Parma – who travel to Empoli on Sunday – fall 17 points adrift of safety with eight games remaining.

Back-to-back wins over Juventus and Udinese had briefly given Parma hope of completing a remarkable escape, but they now face an uphill battle to survive.