Serie A Preview: Parma FC - AC Milan
I Gialloblu failing to impress
Parma had an impressive transfer campaign where they captured the likes of Bojinov and Giovinco. Hopes were initially high in the I Ducali dressing room but things haven’t gone too well for them. Following their opening day victory against Brescia, Parma
has managed just 2 points from their next four matches.
The match against Milan could not have come at a worst time. Milan will be looking to put their title challenge back on track and Parma will have it all to do at the Stadio Ennio Tardini. A victory however, will come as a huge confident boost for the minnows
that will bring in a renewed aura of confidence.
Rossoneri look to gain momentum
AC Milan did not have the best of starts this season despite strengthening their squad considerably. Their day 2 defeat to newly promoted Cesena is likely to stay as the upset of the season. The defeat was followed by a stalemate at San Siro against Catania.
AC Milan should be taking maximum points in these fixtures if they are to win the Scudetto this season. Last weekend, Milan won its second Serie A match and the Rossoneri now stand fifth in the league, two points off league leaders Inter Milan.
After five rounds of football, there is plenty of football to go and Milan will be looking to start a winning streak to counter the Inter machine.
Team News
Parma FC
Alberto Paloschi and Sebastian Giovinco are definitely out for the fixture. The absence of Giovinco in particular has been hurting Parma dearly as the side visibly misses his influence in the opposition half. Daniele Galloppa is still a doubt but might end
up making an appearance.
Expected formation
Pasquale Marino has settled with a 4-3-3 formation with Parma. Antonio Candreva, Stefano Morrone and Massimo Gobbi will lock horns with AC Milan midfield. Hernan Crespo, Francesco Valiani and Valeri Bojinov will form the forward trident. Antonio Mirante
was in, inspired form last week when I Ducali took on Fiorentina. His fantastic saves against the likes of Gilardino and Cerci stopped Viola from running away with the score line. Parma has a poor defence and the goalkeeper will have to be on his best to stop
Rossoneri Onslaught.
Probable Line-up
Antonio Mirante, Cristian Zaccardo, Paolo Hernan Dellafiore, Alessandro Lucarelli, Marco Pisano, Antonio Candreva, Stefano Morrone, Massimo Gobbi, Valeri Bojinov, Hernan Crespo, Francesco Valiani
AC Milan
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s appearance for the match is in doubt as the forward has picked up a thigh strain in the draw against Ajax. His absence will be a huge blow to the Rossoneri as the Swede has been their best player by far. On a positive note, Alexandre
Pato is likely to feature from the start. Ronaldinho will return to the first team following his bench role against Ajax. Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has already stated that the Brazilian was benched for tactical reasons and will return against Parma.
Expected Formation
Milan will stick to their 4-3-3 for this fixture. Ronaldinho will take up his usual left wing position. In Ibra’s absence, Pato will play the lone striker role. Robinho will play the right wing and will be eager to impress following his wasteful appearance
in the Champions League.
Seedorf, Pirlo and Kevin-Prince Boateng will form the midfield trident. Boateng will look to impress in a more central role. Nesta and Silva will form a steady backbone for the team to fall-back on.
Probable Line-up
Christian Abbiati, Gianluca Zambrotta, Alessandro Nesta, Thiago Silva, Luca Antonini, Boateng, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Robinho, Alexandre Pato, Ronaldinho
Key Players
Antonio Candreva
Candreva has all the potential to become a top player but lacks the consistency to back it up. With Parma lacking any real pace to trouble an ageing yet experienced Milan back line, it will be down to Candreva’s imagination to unlock the Rossoneri defence.
Alexandre Pato
The Brazilian is already a class act despite his tender age. In Ibra’s absence, Pato will relish having the central role to his own. Provided the forward is given the appropriate service, there is no reason the wonder kid will fail to score.
Prediction
With Parma already suffering from injuries and lack of form, Milan has a chance to get the three points on Saturday. Backed by home crowd in full voice, Parma defence will fight valiantly for at least a point. Pato’s return however, will be a welcome boost
and the Rossoneri will walk away with a precious 2 – 1 win.
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