Read a preview and watch a live stream of Parma vs Milan from the Ennio Tardini…
Where: Stadio Ennio Tardini, Parma.
When: Sunday September 14, 19:45 (UK time)
Watch live: Click here to watch on BT Sport online!
AC Milan enjoyed a perfect start to the new season a fortnight ago with their 3-1 win over Lazio at San Siro, and after several additions ahead of the transfer deadline, optimism is growing.
Although the victory over Lazio wasn’t entirely convincing, it was vital for Pippo Inzaghi to get off to a winning start as Coach of the Rossoneri.
Goals from Keisuke Honda, Sulley Muntari and Jeremy Menez secured all three points, and with Marco Van Ginkel, Giacomo Bonaventura and Fernando Torres now joining the party, they will hope to continue their good start.
Nevertheless, the international break would have disrupted their momentum slightly, and so it will be vital that Inzaghi gets the same intensity and effort from his players moving forward.
In contrast, Parma started with a shock defeat in their season opener against Cesena, and so they will be eager to put on a strong showing in front of their own fans and bounce back immediately.
The Crociati defeated Milan 3-2 in the corresponding fixture last season, and after his move to San Siro fell through at the last minute on transfer deadline day, Jonathan Biabiany will be looking to have an impact for the hosts as opposed to the visitors on Sunday.
Stephan El Shaarawy will not play after picking up an ankle injury on international duty this week which is a disappointing blow for Milan fans as they look forward to his link up play with Torres, but the former Chelsea striker is likely to be given the nod up front with Menez and Honda providing him with support on the flanks.
With so much criticism coming his way over the past year or so, the Spaniard will be relieved to have a new opportunity to prove his doubters wrong, and it starts on Sunday as he gets his first taste of Italian football at the Tardini.
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