Newly-promoted Parma host AC Milan at the Stadio Ennio Tardini on Saturday as both sides look to secure their first win of the 2024/25 Serie A season. The hosts earned a creditable 1-1 draw against Fiorentina in their opening fixture, while Milan dramatically salvaged a 2-2 draw at home to Torino.
Parma manager Fabio Pecchia will be encouraged by his team’s resilient display against Fiorentina, where Dennis Man’s early goal was cancelled out by a Cristiano Biraghi equalizer. The Crociati showed they can compete at this level and will hope to frustrate Milan with their organized defensive shape and quick counterattacks.
Milan boss Paulo Fonseca endured a rollercoaster debut as his side trailed 2-0 to Torino before late goals from Alvaro Morata and Noah Okafor rescued a point. The Portuguese coach will demand a much-improved performance from his star-studded squad as they aim to mount a serious title challenge this season.
The Rossoneri have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning six of the last eight meetings between the sides. However, Parma will take confidence from their strong home record last season and believe they can cause an upset.
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Morata, who is sidelined with a thigh injury, will miss the match, leading to a change in the Rossoneri’s attacking lineup.
In Morata’s absence, Milan coach Paulo Fonseca will likely turn to either Luka Jovic or Noah Okafor to lead the line. Okafor, in particular, has proven to be a potent weapon off the bench, having scored six of his seven Serie A goals as a substitute since the start of last season – the highest tally in the league.
New signings Emerson Royal and Youssouf Fofana could make their debuts for the Rossoneri, adding fresh options to Fonseca’s squad. However, the departure of Pierre Kalulu to Juventus leaves a gap in Milan’s defensive ranks.
Parma, meanwhile, are still dealing with injury concerns. Hernani and Gabriel Charpentier remain doubtful, but captain Enrico Del Prato returns from suspension to bolster the squad. The Crociati will look to build on their impressive opening day draw against Fiorentina, where Dennis Man found the net. Man, who contributed to 17 goals in Serie B last season, is expected to partner with Ange-Yoan Bonny in attack. Bonny has been a creative force, providing eight assists since the start of the previous campaign.
Parma’s goalkeeper Zion Suzuki could be in for another busy evening. The Japanese international made six saves on the opening day – more than any other keeper in Serie A – highlighting the defensive challenge Parma may face against Milan’s potent attack.
Expected Starting XIs:
Parma (4-3-3): Suzuki; Coulibaly, Del Prato, Circati, Valeri; Bernabe, Estevez; Man, Sohm, Mihaila; Bonny
AC Milan (4-3-3): Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Pavlovic, Hernandez; Fofana, Loftus-Cheek; Chukwueze, Pulisic, Leao; Okafor
