Milan - Parma Preview

After a gut-wrenching loss to Atletico Madrid in Spain, that saw Milan play what was possibly their last Champions League match at least for a couple years, the focus immediately shifts completely on working their way up the table in Serie A. On Sunday, Milan have a tall order ahead of them as they take on 6th place Parma at the San Siro. Milan are looking to get into a Europa League spot as it would at least bring in some funds for the following transfer market this summer.

One of the most underrated players in the world, Antonio Cassano, who is a former Milanista, is Parma's leading goalscorer with 9 goals in 24 games for the club. Known mostly for his immense creativity, Cassano also leads the team with 5 assists and will be giving Milan's back line plenty to worry about. After the loss to Atleti, Seedorf, Balotelli and the club in general has come under intense scrutiny from the fans. Rumors have been swirling that Seedorf should/could be fired before the season's end(which is absolutely not happening). Balotelli came under heavy criticism for his performance against Atletico Madrid and also for his inconsistency and lack of goals this season. As if the pressure could be any higher for Milan, the Curva Sud started protesting their anger and frustration with management. Going into this match, all the pressure will be on.

Mario Balotelli is by far Milan's leading goalscorer with 10, while second on the team is Kaka with just 5. It was questioned whether or not Balotelli would start the match due to a muscular injury he picked up a couple of days ago, but it appears he has recovered and Seedorf will most likely have him in the starting line up. Milan has been woeful all season(and the past couple of seasons) defensively, so Zapata and Bonera will have to stay very close to Cassano all match. In the midfield, De Jong will probably be starting, however Montolivo is in doubt after his dismal performance against Atletico and recent matches, so Milanisti could be seeing Muntari in the starting line up, which has been a rare occasion since Allegri left.

Considering Milan doesn't have to worry about Champions League play anymore and the energy they've been playing with since the takeover of Seedorf, we could be seeing Milan slowly start to rise up the table. Being knocked out of the Champions League could be a blessing in disguise as Serie A is the only thing Milan has to worry about now. There aren't any "easy" games in Serie A as there are in other leagues, so Milan will need to be on top of their game all the way until May.

Possible Milan XI(according to @Milanello): Abbiati; Abate-Zapata-Bonera-Emanuelson; Montolivo-Muntari; Honda, Poli, Kaka; Pazzini

Possible Parma XI(according to UK Eurosport): Mirante; Cassani-Felipe-Lucarelli-Molinaro; Marchionni-Gargano-Parolo; Biabiany-Cassano-Amauri