The pupil will face his former master when Chievo coach Domenico di Carlo pits his wits against Parma boss Francesco Guidolin tomorrow.

Di Carlo played under Guidolin at Vicenza for four years and it was the Parma tactician who handed him his debut in Serie A.

"Francesco was crucial in my career," admitted Di Carlo.

"I liked the way he sees football, his ideas and how he motivated the players.

"I am surprised he has not arrived yet to guide a top club although I hope he will succeed at Parma."

Di Carlo returns to Parma for the first time since being sacked by the Ducale club during the 2007-08 campaign - his first coaching experience in Italy's top flight.

"In order to get results I needed time," admitted Di Carlo. "I didn't get that.

"My Parma side had a problem of age but today's Parma is perfect for the present and for the future.

"They have the right mix of youngsters and experienced players."

Parma go into the encounter in eighth position in the standings, level on 17 points with Napoli, who hold the last European qualifying spot.

Chievo have nothing to envy the promoted club, as they travel to the Ennio Tardini stadium just two points behind the Gialloblu and determined to claim their third straight win on their travels this season.

"As a coach, Di Carlo is very good," said Guidolin. "He pulled Chievo out of a difficult situation last season and now he has managed to keep Chievo in the top half of the standings.

"I would have liked to have had the determination he had as a footballer when I played the game and I think he has managed to transmit that determination to his players at Chievo."

The Ducale club go into Sunday's encounter on the back of a 2-0 defeat against AC Milan.

Despite a solid display at the San Siro, the Gialloblu returned home empty handed.

"We played well against Milan but we were generous," said Guidolin. "I saw my players leave the pitch exhausted and that shows their pride.

"But in order to win at the San Siro you need to play a perfect game.

"No, we must get back on track and try to extend our eight-point gap with the drop zone."

The Gialloblu have reason to be confident for they have won four games out of five at the Tardini stadium this campaign.

The hosts will be without Christian Panucci, who serves a one-match ban and injured McDonald Mariga, Stefano Russo, Andrea Pisanu, Jonathan Biabiany and Luca Antonelli.

Chievo have suffered a blow heading into this weekend's match with experienced defender Fabio Moro ruled out until next year.

Moro underwent surgery on his knee this week and will be sidelined for at least three months.

To make matters worse, striker Erjon Bogdani will also sit out the game having suffered a fractured cheekbone during the 1-1 draw against Udinese in the last round.