As the 2024-25 Serie A season approaches its crucial stages, AC Milan prepare to host Parma at the iconic San Siro on Sunday, with both teams desperately seeking points for vastly different reasons.
The Rossoneri, despite their recent European success, find themselves in an unfamiliar eighth place in the domestic league, while Parma continue their season-long battle against relegation. Milan’s campaign has been a study in contrasts, with their domestic form starkly different from their European performances.
AC Milan’s campaign has been underwhelming in Serie A, accumulating fewer than 35 points after 20 league games for the first time in five seasons. This poor run of form stands in stark contrast to their Champions League performances, where they have won five consecutive matches and secured a playoff spot with a game to spare.
The midweek victory over Girona in the Champions League, courtesy of Rafael Leão’s decisive strike, showcased Milan’s potential. However, their most recent Serie A outing resulted in a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Juventus, highlighting the inconsistency that has plagued their domestic campaign.
Sergio Conceição may opt for some rotation given Milan’s upcoming Champions League and Derby della Madonnina fixtures. The Rossoneri are likely to deploy their fluid 4-2-3-1 formation, with Leão spearheading the attack alongside the creative talents of Pulisic and Tijjani Reijnders.
Parma, aware of Milan’s attacking prowess, may adopt a more defensive approach, looking to frustrate the hosts and strike on the counter. The experience of players like Hernani in midfield will be crucial in executing this strategy.
While Parma have shown signs of improvement and will be buoyed by their earlier victory over Milan, the Rossoneri’s quality and home advantage should prove decisive. Expect a hard-fought contest, but Milan’s superior firepower should see them emerge victorious.
The match represents a critical moment for both teams. For Milan, it’s an opportunity to reignite their Serie A ambitions, while Parma will be eager to prove they belong among Italy’s elite and take a significant step towards survival.
Team News
Milan’s squad has been boosted by the return of Christian Pulisic from injury and the potential availability of Samuel Chukwueze. Fikayo Tomori is also back after serving a UEFA suspension. However, the hosts will be without several key players, including Emerson Royal, Malick Thiaw, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Parma continue to grapple with injury concerns, particularly in defense. Recent signings Alessandro Vogliacco, Jacob Ondrejka, and Milan Djuric could feature, with the latter potentially leading the line. Dennis Man remains a key figure for Parma, having contributed to seven Serie A goals this season.
Expected Starting XIs
Milan: Maignan; Calabria, Gabbia, Tomori, Hernandez; Bennacer, Fofana; Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao; Morata
Parma: Suzuki; Del Prato, Valenti, Vogliacco, Valeri; Keita, Sohm; Man, Hernani, Mihaila; Bonny
Match Prediction
The Rossoneri should overcome a resilient Parma side, leveraging their attacking prowess and home advantage to secure a much-needed victory in their quest to climb the Serie A table.
Prediction: AC Milan 3-1 Parma
