AC Milan vs Parma Preview: How to Watch on TV, Kick Off Time & Team News

Milan celebrate during their draw at Napoli
Milan celebrate during their draw at Napoli / MB Media/Getty Images
facebooktwitterreddit

AC Milan will look to continue their late charge for European football when they host Parma at San Siro in Serie A on Wednesday.

I Rossoneri are unbeaten since the restart and Stefano Pioli's men are knocking on the door of the top six. They currently sit seventh, which would be good enough for a spot in the second qualifying round of the Europa League given sixth placed Napoli won the Coppa Italia and are already guaranteed a position in the competition.

Frank Kessie scored a 73rd minute equaliser from the penalty spot against Napoli
Frank Kessie scored a 73rd minute equaliser from the penalty spot against Napoli / BSR Agency/Getty Images

Their opponents are suffering opposite fortunes. Parma are winless in their last five games, losing four, and have dropped down to 12th.


Where to Watch

When Is Kick Off? Wednesday 15 July
What Time Is Kick Off?
18:30 (BST)
Where Is it Being Played?
San Siro
TV Channel/Live Stream?
Premier Sports 2


Team News

21-year-old Alexis Saelemaekers will be suspended for the visit of Parma after being sent off against Napoli on Sunday. Samu Castillejo, Mateo Musacchio and Leo Duarte are all still unavailable for Milan and will join Saelemaekers on the sidelines.

Pioli also faces a dilemma over whether to stick with the ageing Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front or revert back to playing the in-form Ante Rebic down the middle.

Parma manager Roberto D'Aversa is not expected to make many changes following his side's late comeback against Bologna at the weekend.

Kurtic embraces Inglese after he nets a stoppage time equaliser against Bologna
Kurtic embraces Inglese after he nets a stoppage time equaliser against Bologna / Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images

Key striker Roberto Inglese made his first appearance since January from the bench against Bologna. The Italian forward grabbed the equalising goal and could be in line for a place in the starting XI.

Matteo Scozzarella and Riccardo Gaglioli were recalled last time out and will be hopeful of keeping their places.


Predicted Lineups

AC Milan: Donnarumma; Conti, Kjaer, Romagnoli, Hernandez; Bennacer, Kessie; Calhanoglu, Bonaventura, Paqueta; Rebic.

Parma: Sepe; Darmian, Iacoponi, Alves, Gagliolo; Gervinho, Hernani, Scozzarella, Kurtic; Kucka, Inglese.


Recent Form

Milan are unbeaten in their previous seven matches in all competitions, including a thrilling 4-2 victory over league leaders Juventus a week ago and 3-0 mauling away at the Old Lady's nearest rivals Lazio.

They came from 2-1 down to salvage a draw at Stadio San Paolo last time out, with Frank Kessie netting a penalty after Theo Hernandez opened the scoring in the first half.

Milan produced a stunning comeback to beat Juventus earlier in July
Milan produced a stunning comeback to beat Juventus earlier in July / Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

Parma, on the other hand, are in a real rut. I Gialloblu are without a win in five, losing four of those matches, though a dramatic draw last time, courtesy of two stoppage-time goals, rescued a point against Bologna.

The hard yards had been put in prior to football's enforced hiatus. They sit in 12th position, 11 points above the relegation zone ,with next season's Serie A status all but secured.

Here's a look at each sides' last five outings.

AC Milan

Napoli 2-2 AC Milan (12/7)
AC Milan 4-2 Juventus (7/7)
Lazio 0-3 AC Milan (4/7)
SPAL 2-2 AC Milan (1/7)
AC Milan 2-0 Roma (28/6)

Parma

Parma 2-2 Bologna (12/7)
Roma 2-1 Parma (8/7)
Parma 1-2 Fiorentina (5/7)
Hellas Verona 3-2 Parma (1/7)
Parma 1-2 Inter (28/6)


Prediction

Despite Parma managing to stop the rot against Bologna in their last fixture, this in-form Milan team should have far too much for them.

If Rebic, Calhanoglu, Ibrahimovic and co. play like they have been in recent weeks then Parma shouldn't cause them any issues.

Parma may lose again at San Siro on Wednesday
Parma may lose again at San Siro on Wednesday / Silvia Lore/Getty Images

The 12th placed side are already in cruise control and even though Inglese's return gives them a glimmer of hope, San Siro is not the best place for the visitors to reinvigorate their campaign.

Prediction: AC Milan 3-1 Parma