Both Parma and AC Milan will be aiming to secure their first victory of the 2024/25 Serie A campaign this weekend, as the newly promoted team gets ready to host the Italian powerhouses on Saturday.
Parma emerged as champions in Serie B last season, thereby earning their spot in Serie A for the first time since 2021. While Fabio Pecchia’s squad managed to secure a hard-fought draw against a formidable Fiorentina side in their opening league match, they will face a significantly more challenging test against AC Milan. However, the home crowd will undoubtedly provide them with a much-needed boost as they take on the 19-time Serie A champions.
Milan’s recent match against Torino resulted in a draw, with the team managing to salvage a point through a late-game comeback orchestrated by Alvaro Morata and Noah Okafor. This outcome was not ideal for Paulo Fonseca’s squad as they were hoping for a strong start to their new campaign, especially after finishing last season 19 points behind Inter Milan. Now, they face the challenge of bouncing back against the reigning Serie B champions.
Parma’s defensive line will receive a boost with the return of Enrico Del Prato following his suspension. The 24-year-old featured in 35 matches during his team’s successful Serie B campaign last season and will need to be in top form to counter Milan’s attacking prowess.
Milan will be missing their recent acquisition, Alvaro Morata, due to a muscle injury in his left leg. The striker scored in his debut, igniting his team’s comeback victory against Torino, but will now be out of action for a minimum of three weeks.
Expect Theo Hernandez, along with new signings Strahinja Pavlovic and Youssouf Fofana, to be included in Paulo Fonseca’s starting lineup as Milan faced defensive struggles last weekend. Emerson Royal could also be chosen over Davide Calabria if the manager decides to make three changes in the defensive line.
