As Serie A action resumes following last week’s dramatic suspension, Inter Milan are set to host Parma at the iconic San Siro on Friday evening. The match presents an opportunity for the Nerazzurri to close the gap on league leaders Napoli, while Parma aim to build on their recent upset victory over Lazio.
Inter’s last outing against Fiorentina was halted due to a medical emergency involving midfielder Edoardo Bove. Thankfully, Bove has since recovered, but the incident left both teams shaken. Prior to this, Inter had been in impressive form, thrashing Hellas Verona 5-0 and securing crucial wins in the Champions League.
Simone Inzaghi’s side, recently crowned Serie A ‘Coach of the Year’, has shown remarkable defensive solidity, keeping clean sheets in four of their last six league games. Their attacking prowess is equally noteworthy, with Inter having scored in 29 consecutive home games in Serie A.
However, Parma have proven to be a tough nut to crack at San Siro in recent years. The Nerazzurri haven’t won at home against the Emilian side since 2013, their longest ongoing winless streak against any opponent at the venue.
Parma, meanwhile, enter this fixture buoyed by a surprising 3-1 victory over title contenders Lazio. The win, featuring goals from Dennis Man, Anas Haj Mohamed, and Enrico Del Prato, lifted the newly-promoted side to within touching distance of the top half of the table.
All eyes will be on Inter’s prolific striker Marcus Thuram, who could make Serie A history by reaching double figures in goals while only scoring two or more in each game. His partnership with Lautaro Martinez will be crucial against Parma’s defense, which has struggled to keep clean sheets this season.
Team News
Inter Milan are nearly at full strength, with only Benjamin Pavard and backup goalkeeper Raffaele Di Gennaro confirmed as absentees. Francesco Acerbi and Carlos Augusto have returned to training and could feature.
Parma will be without Gabriel Charpentier, who faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles tendon. Adrian Bernabe, Yordan Osorio, Mateusz Kowalski, and Alessandro Circati are also unavailable for the visitors.
Expected Starting XIs
Inter: Sommer; Bisseck, De Vrij, Bastoni; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez
Parma: Suzuki; Coulibaly, Del Prato, Balogh, Valeri; Keita, Sohm; Man, Haj Mohamed, Cancellieri; Bonny
Match Prediction
Given Inter’s home form and Parma’s defensive frailties, the hosts are expected to secure a comfortable victory. Inter Milan 2-0 Parma.
Prediction: Inter 2-0 Parma
