Last year’s rivals for European positions square off at Ennio Tardini in the second round of league fixtures, with AC Milan obviously in much better position after the 3-1 triumph over Lazio.

Meanwhile, Parma need to show that the narrow defeat to Cesena was a mere one-off result, and prove they can mount another top 6 challenge.

I Ducali enjoyed a very successful season last term, producing some excellent performances to achieve a sixth-place finish and clinch the final Europa League berth, but they were unfortunate to be banned from Europe due to some highly dubious claims.

The squad haven’t undergone major changes in the summer, although Marco Parolo and Amauri left, whilst Francesco Lodi and Paolo De Ceglie were more notable arrivals.

Things did not start well for Parma as they were beaten by newly-promoted Cesena in the opening Serie A fixture, and it would appear as though Roberto Donadoni’s side are still far from the desired form.

But, having defeated AC Milan 3-2 in the same fixture last season, I Ducali can be backed at 3.00 (2/1) to beat the Rossoneri for the second year running.

The good news is that star forward Antonio Cassano returns to the side, but Jonathan Biabiany could miss out with a muscle problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Mirante – Cassani, Paletta, Lucarelli, Gobbi – Acquah, Lodi, Jorquera – Palladino, Cassano, Belfodil.

Last season was pretty disappointing for AC Milan as they could not achieve European qualification, but even with the Clarence Seedorf experiment proving unsuccessful, the club chiefs decided to hand the reigns to Filippo Inzaghi.

The club management were very busy during the summer transfer window and given the obvious lack of funds, they seem to have done an excellent job.

Balotelli, Robinho, Cristante, Constant and Taarabt did leave, but in came Torres, Alex, Menez, Lopez, Bonaventura, Armero and van Ginkel, among others, so it is up to the new boss to try and rebuild the squad as quickly as possible.

Filippo Inzaghi passed his first test with flying colours as Milan eased off to a 3-1 victory over heavily reinforced Lazio side and they are 2.62 (13/8) to see off Parma as well.

Fernando Torres looks set to start up front, but fellow summer signings Giacomo Bonaventura and Marco van Ginkel will have to settle for a place on the bench.

Mattia De Sciglio, Philippe Mexes and Giampaolo Pazzini are all back in contention, but Stephan El Shaarawy is doubtful with an ankle problem.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Lopez – Abate, Alex, Zapata, De Sciglio – Poli, de Jong, Muntari – Honda, Torres, Menez.