Parma vs. AC Milan: Key Battles That Will Shape Serie A Game
The chess match between coaches Filippo Inzaghi and Roberto Donadoni will commence on Sunday when Milan travel to the tricky Stadio Ennio Tardini to play Parma.
With both teams playing a 4-3-3, the most important battle will take place in the center of the pitch, as the two sides look to hold possession in the opposing half and control the tempo of the match.
Parma's defenders will have their cross hairs on Fernando Torres, who is set to make his debut in the Milan kit.
Here are the key battles to look out for between the Rossoneri and Parma.
Fernando Torres vs. Gabriel Paletta
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Assuming Fernando Torres starts, his matchup against Parma defender Gabriel Paletta will be an important one to watch.
Paletta's performances with Parma last season were so impressive that they earned him a spot on the Italian national team.
He's a no-nonsense defender who can be very physical with strikers and make it difficult for Torres to settle in smoothly. Torres will be playing his first competitive match with Milan and shouldn't be expected to fit in right away, as the chemistry needs time to grow.
With Torres desperately looking to regain his confidence, expect the Spaniard to give a gritty effort and fight for every ball.
Nigel De Jong vs. Antonio Cassano
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Antonio Cassano will be the most dangerous threat for Parma, as he's set to start against Milan.
Even though he's listed as a false No. 9, expect Cassano to drift around the penalty box as he often does, calling for the ball and then looking for a teammate to make a run inside the box.
On the opposite side, Nigel De Jong will take his place right in front of the back line. He will have the responsibility in quelling Fantantonio when he's in possession.
The most important thing Milan must do is pressure Cassano whenever he's in possession and not give him the space to look around and create. De Jong is a formidable defensive midfielder who executes these roles to perfection.
Filippo Inzaghi vs. Roberto Donadoni
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The coaching battle will pit the wily veteran against the inexperienced rookie. Roberto Donadoni has more than a decade of coaching experience, and Parma have often overachieved under his helm, as they work hard and play a very constant, organized brand of football.
On the other hand, Filippo Inzaghi is just figuring himself out as a coach at the highest level, having only overseen one competitive match in Serie A from the touchline.
Both managers prefer and are expected to use a 4-3-3 formation. Inzaghi encourages the midfield trio to get forward and make runs into the box when the ball is out on the wing. The perfect example of this working to perfection was when Sulley Muntari scored from a cross by Ignazio Abate in Milan's opening-day match against Lazio.
Parma's Wingers vs. Milan's Overlapping Full-Backs
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Raffaele Palladino, Ishak Belfodil and Antonio Cassano will need to work hard defensively in order to prevent Milan's attacking full-backs from making dangerous overlapping runs.
According to the latest reports from La Gazzetta, Milan will deploy Mattia De Sciglio and Ignazio Abate on the wings. Both full-backs love getting forward and joining the attack as much as possible, and it could leave Parma's pair of Mattia Cassani and Massimo Gobbi exposed in defense as they have to deal with two players rushing at them on the wings.
If Fernando Torres plays, he would benefit from the service into the box, assuming Abate isn't in the mood to cross the ball into row Z and take out a spectator. If the crossing is accurate, Torres could give Milan fans a glimpse of his aerial ability so long as he can create separation.
Francesco Lodi vs. Milan's Midfield
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Francesco Lodi joins Parma after his ex Catania succumbed to the depths of the Serie B via relegation.
Lodi is not only one of the most feared set-piece takers in world football, but he's also a clever passer when given space. Milan must avoid giving up a foul near the penalty box at all costs, as Lodi can find the back of the net from the dead-ball with surgical precision.
Nigel De Jong is expected to anchor Milan's midfield alongside Sulley Muntari and Andrea Poli. The three are hardworking and aggressive, often forcing referees into making difficult decisions with their lunging tackles and shoulder-to-shoulder challenges.
Lodi must be closely marked when he's on the ball, as well as not being given an opportunity in a dangerous free-kick area.
