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Serie A Preview: Milan - Parma
What: Italian Serie A
Who: AC Milan (5 pts., 5th) vs. FC Parma (2 pts., 14th)
When: Saturday September 22, 20:30 (CET)
Where: Stadio Giuseppe Meazza ‘San Siro’, Milan
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Three Faces of Eve and Sybil
The above title refers to three famous examples of Multiple Personality Disorder (more commonly known as having a “split personalityâ€), each a literary work which was later turned into a motion picture, and the latter two having basis in real life events.
If it is possible for a football club to have a split personality, then Milan can certainly be included in the above grouping. The Rossoneri have struggled to produce goal-scoring opportunities in their domestic battles, but look incredibly adept when it comes to the Champions League.
This mentality was blatantly obvious in Milan’s last two matches—the away draw against Siena last weekend and the home encounter versus Benfica on Tuesday. In the match with Siena, though several players were rested (namely Kakà ), Milan were a shadow of the side which began the season with a convincing 3-0 away victory against Genoa.
They lacked movement in the attacking third, and Alberto Gilardino, the lone stiker, received no service from his midfield. Gilardino’s best chances to score came in the first few moments, when he twice created something for himself and came close to scoring.
Milan eventually got their act together, but that was only in order to level the match after Siena had taken the lead. This poor display relegated them to a second league draw in as many matches.
This past Tuesday, Milan were on fire, and deservedly defeated Benfica in the Champions League, 2-1. The first goal came from a beautiful Andrea Pirlo free-kick. The second was a full volley by Filippo Inzaghi inside the box, which was assisted by Pirlo.
Milan sparkled in this match, and showed what they are capable of, but it begs the question of why they can’t perform this way in the Serie A, as they clearly are a better side when playing on the European stage.
Parma, however, don’t have such a duplicitous mentality. They have struggled across the board this term, similar to last season. With only three goals scored and five allowed, they are treading dangerous waters at such an early stage of the season, with yet another relegation battle seemingly in their near future.
The off-season was not fruitful for Parma, as the necessary reinforcements in attack did not arrive. Bernardo Corradi returned to the peninsula from his ill-advised venture in England, but is not the player he once was. The loss of Giuseppe Rossi, whom arrived on-loan last season to help rescue the side from relegation, was also a major hit, as he oftentimes was the only player upfront to be consistent at all.
Parma will need Corradi and attack partner Reginaldo to gel quickly, so as to stave off the calls from the supporters for a change.
FORM GUIDE
Milan
8/26 Genoa 0-3 Milan Serie A
8/31 Milan 3-1 Sevilla UEFA Super Cup
9/3 Milan 1-1 Fiorentina Serie A
9/15 Siena 1-1 Milan Serie A
9/18 Milan 2-1 Benfica UEFA Champions League
Parma
8/26 Parma 2-2 Catania Serie A
8/29 Parma 1-3 Juventus Coppa Italia
9/2 Atalanta 2-0 Parma Serie A
9/16 Parma 1-1 Cagliari Serie A
TEAM NEWS
Milan again have to do without captain Paolo Maldini and Ronaldo, both of whom are not yet fit. Serginho is still some distance from achieving full fitness, and Filippo Inzaghi will most likely be rested, with former Parma player Gilardino taking his spot.
Parma also have an injured-trio, those being Andrea Gasbarroni, Giuseppe Cardone and Igor Budan. The talented but temperamental player, Domenico Morfeo, will not feature in this match following his arguments with the manager prior to the start of the season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Kakà (Milan) – Some might believe that Alberto Gilardino, given his former years with Parma, would be the key figure here, but Kakà is always the centerpiece of Milan’s attack, and nearly everything positive for the side goes through him.
Bernardo Corradi (Parma) – This will come as news to absolutely no one, but Milan struggle at defending set-pieces and aerial balls. Corradi can still be a viable option in the air, and could give Milan trouble when the occasion arises.
POSSIBLE STARTING XI’s
Milan (4-3-1-2): Dida; Oddo, Nesta, Kaladze, Jankulovski; Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Kakà , Seedorf; Gilardino
Parma (4-4-2): Bucci; Coly, Falcone, Rossi, Castellini; Dessena, Cigarini, Morrone, Pisanu; Corradi, Reginaldo
PREDICTION
Milan will be looking to pick up right where they left off on Tuesday, and to take the initiative to be a positive, attack-minded side. Parma will need to be on their toes in this encounter, but Milan should finally get their collective act together and play better domestically.
Milan 2-0 Parma
Joel Whitehead
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looks can be deceptive.
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