Serie A preview: AC Milan vs. Parma FC
Rossoneri looking to end the slump
AC Milan started February with a significant lead at the top of the Serie A table, but consecutive draws in their last two games have cut their lead to just three points. With http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Inter-c39567 Milan racking up victories in spectacular fashion, Massimiliano
Allegri will now be looking anxiously over his shoulder.
Furthermore, the Rossoneri are set to embark on a gruelling schedule over the next few weeks. They are set to play Tottenham Hotspur twice, Chievo Verona away from home, Napoli at home and perennial rivals Juventus in Turin in the space of 22 days. Tonight’s
game against Parma is likely to be the easiest game of the schedule and anything less than three points will be nothing short of failure.
Parma are still struggling
Pasquale Marino’s men are struggling for consistency, as has been the case for much of the season. As things stand, Parma are 15th in the league with just 26 points to their name. Going into round 25 of the Serie A, just four points separate I
Ducali from the relegation zone. Marino’s men are far from being secure and it will require tremendous hard work from the team to salvage the season.
Adding to the concerns is the fact that Parma have one of the worst away records in the league. The Ducali have played 11 away games, of which they have lost seven and won just two. The trip to the San Siro will be a real test of Marino’s calibre. However,
a victory tonight - unlikely as it might be - will bring renewed confidence to the squad.
Team News
AC Milan
News from the injury front remains gloomy for Massimiliano Allegri. The tactician will have to do without the services of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Massimo-Ambrosini-c24579, Ignazio
Abate, Rodney Strasser, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Filippo-Inzaghi-c13777.
Latest reports coming out of Italy suggest that http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Antonio-Cassano-c6302 will lead the lines for AC Milan in Allegri’s 4-3-1-2 formation.
Parma FC
Marino has travelled to Milan without the injured http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Marques-c24297. Stefano Morrone will watch the game from the stands as he is suspended for this game.
The Ducali tactician will deploy a 4-3-3 formation that will see http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Valeri-Bojinov-c35853.
Key Players
Alexandre Pato
The 21-year-old has been heavily criticised in recent weeks over his inability to play alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic. With Ibra taking the bench tonight, Pato will be presented with a chance to prove a point to the coach. The Rossoneri number 7 has tremendous
potential, and will wreck havoc in the Parma rearguard if not dealt with properly.
Sebastian Giovinco
The newly capped Italian international has been Parma’s go-to man for much of the season and tonight will be no different. Giovinco will look to assist his fellow front men while keeping an eye on the goal himself. On his day, the Atomic Ant can be a world
beater, and the Rossoneri defence will have to be on their toes.
Prediction
Despite AC Milan stuttering in recent weeks, the gulf in class between these two sides is simply too large to be overcome. AC Milan should return to winning ways with a 2-0 score line and Alexandre Pato getting on the score sheet.
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