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Parma captain Enrico Delprato has admitted that he would sign for a draw against AC Milan now if offered one.
Milan are going into the game on Saturday night at the Stadio Tardini in a positive mood having beaten Roma last weekend. That puts them one point behind the league-leaders Napoli, and they are now 10 unbeaten across all competitions.
By contrast, Parma have only won one game this season in the league and that leaves them one point above the drop zone. Losing to fellow strugglers Cagliari and Lecce has ramped up the pressure on Carlos Cuesta, who joined from Arsenal to replace Inter-bound Cristian Chivu.
Captain would take a draw
Delprato was interviewed by La Gazzetta dello Sport this morning on the eve of Milan’s visit. He gave his thoughts on how the team are feeling going into the game, and admitted that he would take a point if offered.
How are the team approaching this game?
“We’re coming off two defeats against Roma and Bologna, but we’re not at a loss. My Parma is aiming for survival and can achieve it: they have the technical, physical, and moral qualities. Now Milan arrive, a tough opponent, but we’re not going into the match defeated. Last season, against the big teams, we always put in excellent performances. So…”
Parma are struggling a bit, what’s going on?
“Nothing special, we’re going through a normal period of growth after so many new players arrived in the summer, and now they need some time to settle in. Some games haven’t gone so well, partly due to incidents.
“I’m thinking of Cagliari, when we conceded a goal due to an offside early in the move; I’m thinking of Como, when we were awarded a penalty; I’m thinking of Lecce, when we probably deserved at least a point and instead lost.
“I’m not saying these things to complain – it’s not in my nature – but to emphasise that judgments must always be balanced. We’re not geniuses, but we’re not duds either.”
Parma’s strength?
“The unity of the group. Everyone is pulling in the same direction, even more than last year. And then there’s the enthusiasm that Coach Cuesta instills in us, which is an added value. Defensive compactness is definitely an important quality of this team.”
Where does improvement need to be made?
“In attack. We need to manage possession better and help the attackers more, as they sacrifice so much to lend a hand. We also need to add that players like Ondrejka and Oristanio are out injured, who could help us make a leap forward.”
How do you stop Milan?
“This is a big problem that needs to be resolved quickly. The Rossoneri are second, they have many champions and a coach like Allegri who has brought a significant boost, even in terms of playing. I think Milan can win the Scudetto and, if they don’t, they’ll come very close.”
Be honest, would you sign for a draw?
“I would. I have no doubts. How many teams in Italy wouldn’t sign it? Napoli, Inter, maybe Roma. That’s it. That doesn’t mean Parma will play for a draw. Quite the opposite. We’re going onto the pitch with the desire to win and give our fans a night of joy.
“It’s about being good at managing situations. If they force us to drop back, we’ll have to drop back. It’s natural for Milan to behave like that. But once we have the ball at our feet, then we’ll have to counterattack with energy and speed, and maybe, if we find them out of position, who knows…”
Stopping Leao is imperative. How do you do it?
“You can only stop someone like that by playing as a team. If you take him on man-to-man, he’s so fast he’ll run away from you whenever he wants. We’ll all have to work together to limit him. But Allegri’s Milan isn’t just Leao, there are others.”
Who are you thinking of?
“The midfield is very strong. Modric, of course. But also Fofana, Ricci, Loftus-Cheek. Players who get in and cause trouble in the penalty area. Thanks to these players, Allegri has managed to create a harmonious game, probably more enjoyable than the teams he’s coached previously. The only solution: keep your eyes open and don’t fall into their traps.”
A team-mate to bet on?
“I’d say Patrick Cutrone. He grew up at AC Milan, and he feels this challenge in a special way.”
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