Background
Although this was just Parma's third entry into the UEFA Cup, they were contesting their second UEFA Cup final, winning the only other one in 1995, beating Juventus over two legs. Having also won the Coppa Italia that year, Parma were attempting a rare cup double. Parma had previous experience of playing against French sides in Europe, having played Paris Saint-Germain in 1995's UEFA Cup Winners' Cup (against whom they lost by three goals to one on aggregate in the quarter-finals) and Bordeaux en route to the final against Marseille, also at the quarter-final stage. Parma lost by two goals to one in France before thumping them at home, scoring six goals without reply.
Marseille had also had European success, but had won just one trophy: the UEFA Champions League in 1993. That victory was marred by match-fixing accusations and, although the title was not stripped from the French club, their participation in the UEFA Super Cup was barred. Coincidentally, Parma would have been their opponents had they been granted permission to compete.
The Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia played host to the match, having never previously hosted a major European final. Its capacity stood at 78,360, making it Russia's largest sports stadium.
Read more about this topic: 1999 UEFA Cup Final
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