Parma vs AC Milan preview - Montolivo keeping Milan motivated

Posted Saturday, October 26, 2013 by PA

AC Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivo has warned his team-mates not to drop their standards when they travel to Parma on Sunday.

The Rossoneri appear to have put a disappointing start to the Serie A season behind them.

Tuesday's 1-1 draw against Barcelona kept Milan on course for the knockout stage of the Champions League and, coming after last weekend's 1-0 league win over Udinese, suggests Massimiliano Allegri's men may at last be turning the corner.

But Montolivo knows it will count for little if they cannot keep their form going at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.

"We must go onto the pitch with the same will and the same motivations we displayed against Barcelona," Montolivo said.

"We played a very good game against Barca and we proved we can compete against anyone.

"We must get a result in Parma in order to start a challenging week on the right foot."

Milan host Lazio on Wednesday before taking on Fiorentina at the San Siro next weekend.

"These are three very important games in order to climb up in the standings," Montolivo said.

Milan, who have yet to win on the road this season, stand in eighth place - 13 points behind leaders Roma after eight games.

Allegri's side will be bolstered by the return of the team's top scorer Mario Balotelli, who came on as a second-half substitute against Barca having missed last weekend's win against Udinese through injury.

Parma captain Alessandro Lucarelli does not expect a tired Milan to turn up.

"Milan is a great team," Lucarelli said. "They are able to play three games in a week because they have a big squad.

"But we are ready for them."

Parma, coached by former Milan player Roberto Donadoni, saw their four-match unbeaten run come to an end last weekend.

The Ducale club fell 3-2 at Hellas Verona to drop to 13th position, two points adrift of Milan.

Former Rossoneri striker Antonio Cassano will lead Parma's attack alongside Amauri.