Parma vs Milan

March 16, 2012
By: John Hansen

Parma are in serious danger of slipping into the relegation zone after yet another poor result, but the game against Serie A leaders Milan is hardly a perfect opportunity to return to winning ways. The Rossoneri are hoping to extend their four-point lead over Juventus and put extra pressure on their rivals by winning at Ennio Tardini.

What is happening to Parma?

Having signed several experienced Serie A footballers and having kept hold of star player Seba Giovinco, Parma were expected to avoid the relegation struggle and fight for a place in the top half of the standings. However, il Ducali were unable to find any consistency, although the good run of results in January and at the start of February hinted they would come good. It was not to be as Parma picked up just three points from five games after sharing spoils with Juventus at Ennio Tardini, which saw their advantage over the bottom three melt down to just six points. With Lecce and Cagliari breathing down their necks, Parma are under intense pressure to finally end the six-match winless run, which is likely to affect their performance against Milan. In their last two home games, Parma were beaten by Napoli before salvaging one point against Fiorentina, so the hosts clearly don’t have much to hope for before the Milan game.

Sergio Floccari should return, but Massimo Gobbi and Rafaelle Palladino remain sidelined. Gianluca Musacci is doubtful.

Closing in on league title

Milan recovered well from the Champions League defeat to Arsenal as they recorded a comfortable victory over Lecce, thus showing that the Emirates setback was just a bad day, nothing else. The Rossoneri also extended their lead at the top to four points and I they win at Ennio Tardini, they will be very close to defending the league title. Despite all the injury problems, Milan were able to keep the rich vein of form, as their huge squad of quality players is proving to be a big advantage over their rivals. The infirmary is still pretty packed, with several players also doubtful through injury, but the Rossoneri have already proved they can deal with any problem thrown their way, thus I still see them as favourites to beat Parma. Having won last three away games in Serie A and 6 of last 7, Milan look a good bet to beat out-of-form Parma as well.

Philippe Mexes misses out through suspension, whereas Kevin-Prince Boateng, Maxi Lopez and Robinho are all injury doubts. Alberto Aquilani returns to the side, but Cassano, Pato, Nesta, Flamini, Abate, Gattuso and Strasser remain sidelined.

Verdict

Parma are in all sorts of problems at the moment and the pressure of expectations is starting to get to them. Milan, on the other hand, are on top of their game and they have got to be considered favourites in this clash. The odds on away win are nothing special, but they could be worth a shot.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 1.73 (8/11)

Bookmaker: BetVictor

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