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The game against Parma at the Stadio Tardini on Saturday night is an opportunity that AC Milan ‘must seize’, according to Arrigo Sacchi.
Milan are going into the game feeling in a positive mood about things, having beaten Roma last Sunday night to go one point behind the league-leaders Napoli. Not only that, but Massimiliano Allegri’s side have gone 10 unbeaten in a row across all competitions.
By contrast, Parma are just one point above the drop zone at present having won just one game in the league. They have scored only five times and their captain Enrico Delprato even stated that he would take a point now if offered. However, Milan have fallen victim to banana skins this season already.
A chance for Milan
Sacchi knows Parma and Milan well, given the rose to prominence with the former and became known as one of the best coaches ever with the latter. He published a preview of tonight’s game in La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“If you truly want to build something significant, this is an opportunity you must seize. With a win in Parma, Milan has the chance to leap to the top of the table, while waiting to see what league leaders Napoli can do,” he began.
“The Rossoneri, who are improving game after game, could thus seriously challenge for the title. It’s true that it’s still early to establish the hierarchy, but it’s equally true that, so far, Serie A has no clear master: Allegri’s team has a clear chance to score and must not miss.
“It’s not easy to win at the Tardini, even though Parma have suffered two defeats in their last few matches and aren’t going through a particularly good period. However, the difference in quality is quite clear.
“Aside from the absences, which exist on both sides, the Rossoneri certainly have a higher level of technical and physical fitness than Parma. If we imagine a man-on-man match, I’d say it’s a no-brainer: Milan can dictate the game in every area of the pitch.
They’re well-organised in defence, they have players capable of tracking down and beating opponents on the flanks, they have talent and pace in midfield, and up front, regardless of who starts, they have players capable of turning the game around.
“I’m not just thinking of Leao, let’s be clear, although I’m noticing significant progress from the Portuguese, and this growth is credited above all to Allegri, who is brilliant at managing his players psychologically and getting the most out of them.
“However, Milan shouldn’t treat the Tardini match as a walk in the park. The matches against Cremonese and Pisa should serve as a warning: they earned only one point, despite playing at San Siro.
“This means the team hasn’t yet reached perfection, if such a level can ever be achieved. And, all things considered, it’s right that it should be this way, because Allegri has been in charge for four months, and it takes time to design and then build a project.
“What’s clear to me is that the Rossoneri are back to being protagonists on the pitch. All the players know what they have to do. Sometimes they make mistakes, sure, but who doesn’t make mistakes? The important thing is to understand and correct them quickly, with humility and commitment.
“I feel like Allegri is in tune with the entire group, and I’m also appreciating the quality of the play, which, in my opinion, is aesthetically superior to those of the recent teams under the Tuscan coach.
“I’m curious to see how Parma will approach the match. Some friends from Parma assure me that Carlos Cuesta’s team will adopt a strategy based on waiting and counter-attacking.
“It could be a viable option, provided they press hard and don’t give the Rossoneri any space, because once they get going, you can’t stop them. You have to be compact and alert when not in possession, and then, once you win the ball back, immediately launch forward with unexpected runs.
“For Cuesta, a young player I’m following with interest, it’s a kind of test. I don’t expect Parma to go after Milan – that would be tactical suicide – but I’d like them to show courage and ideas. If you don’t have courage, you can’t expect to achieve anything great.
“For me, having left Parma to join Milan and win everything there, this is a special challenge. I’ll say that right away: I don’t support anyone: I just ask that the teams give me an entertaining game, played at a high pace, so as to excite the crowd.”
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