AC Milan Vs Parma Predictions: Rossoneri Must Be More Consistent In Serie A

Rafa Leao is back in charge of AC Milan's front line (photo: x @acmilan)

JAKARTA - AC Milan will try to revive their shaky domestic campaign at home to Parma on Sunday 26 January at the San Siro. The Rossoneri enjoyed a brilliant performance in the Champions League with five consecutive wins, but only finished eighth in Serie A. Meanwhile, Parma came on a mission to maintain a position outside the relegation zone.

Milan started the Champions League campaign badly, but have now turned things around by securing 15 points from the last five matches. Their latest win, 1-0 against Girona, ensures they are in the top eight of Europe, with Rafael Leao scoring the decisive goal at the San Siro.

However, in Serie A, Milan has not found consistency. Last week's 2-0 defeat to Juventus left them with the lowest points in 20 league games since the last five seasons. Although new coach Sergio Conceicao had an instant impact by winning the Italiana Supercoppa, the Rossoneri still had to work hard to get close to the top four.

Milan also had difficulties at home, with four draws from the last five games at the San Siro, including three consecutive times.

Parma, on the other hand, are eyeing a "double" against Milan after a surprise 2-1 win at Stadio Tardini in August. Although their performance is less stable, five points from the last four matches are enough to keep them above the relegation zone.

They managed to avoid defeat in the last match against Venezia thanks to Hernani's penalty, but the duel against relegation rivals such as Lecce and Cagliari to come will further determine Parma's struggle.

Coach Sergio Conceicao is likely to rotate his team considering the busy schedule that includes Champions League matches against Dinamo Zagreb and Derby della Madonnina against Inter next week.

Christian Pulisic returns from injury and has the opportunity to start, while Samuel Chukwueze can also appear after being sidelined since December. Fikayo Tomori will return to the back lines after serving in the Champions League.

However, Milan had to play without Emerson Royal, Malick Thiaw, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Alessandro Florenzi who were still injured. Luckily they got Kyle Walkr from Manchester City in this winter transfer window. This left-back, is likely to be able to play in this match.

Parma faces an injury crisis, with Botond Balogh, Jordan Osorio, Alessandro Circati, Adrian Bernabe, Mateusz totaling, and Gabriel Charpentier absent.

However, they strengthened the squad with the presence of Alessandro Vogliacco in the back and two new front players, Jacob Ondrejka and Milan Djuric. Djuric even has the opportunity to replace Ange-Yoan Bonny in the front lines.

Dennis Man remains a key player with seven goal contributions in Serie A this season. Since joining in 2021, he has scored 28 goals and 13 assists in all competitions for Parma.

AC Milan will be favorites to secure three points at the San Siro, especially with the return of key players like Pulisic and Tomori. However, Parma had surprising potential, as they showed at the previous meeting.

If Parma is able to maintain their defense solidity and take advantage of the opportunities ahead, they can steal important points. However, Milan, who is seeking consistency, is expected to take advantage of home advantage to win.

AC Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan, Calabia, Gabbia, Tomori, Hernandez, Bennacer, Fofana, Pulisic, Reijnders, Leao, Morata

Parma (4-2-3-1): Suzuki,Delta Prato, Valanti, Vogliacco, Valeri, Keita, Sohm, Man, Hernani, Mihaila, Bonny