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Serie A: Parma boss Roberto Donadoni receives backing from administrator Pietro Leonardi

Image: Roberto Donadoni: Seen his side win only two games this season

Parma club administrator Pietro Leonardi has handed under-fire coach Roberto Donadoni a vote of confidence despite his team's dismal run.

Donadoni's job is reportedly under threat after Sunday's 2-0 home defeat to Empoli - Parma's 10th loss in 12 Serie A games.

That result followed their 7-0 humiliation at the hands of Juventus - their worst ever league defeat - and left them at the bottom of the standings, four points adrift off safety.

"Sacking Donadoni? When there are good results it's everyone's merit and when there are dismal results it's everyone's demerit," Leonardi told Parma's official website. "To blame one person would be a wicked action.

"I understand and respect our fans. We cannot expect to be applauded.

"If people say certain things we have to accept that we have made mistakes because we are last in the standings.

"I have spoken to the team and we are determined to turn things around. There is unity."

Parma's current form is a far cry from last season's eye-catching football which saw them finish sixth in Serie A.

The Ducale club have won just two games so far while they have lost nine of their last 10 league games.

"I have the task to give strength and hope to this group," Leonardi said. "There are still 78 points up for grabs in the 26 games left to play.

"Those are a lot of point but few if continue on this trend.

"I hope that we can open a new chapter because everything depends on the results on the pitch."

Donadoni has been at the helm of the Gialloblu since January 2012.

Parma travel to Sicily to face Palermo on Sunday afternoon.

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