Parma vs Inter Milan preview - Stramaccioni focused on Parma

Posted Wednesday, May 02, 2012 by PA

Inter Milan coach Andrea Stramaccioni insists his team will not be distracted by this weekend's derby when they visit red-hot Parma.

The Nerazzurri host AC Milan on Sunday in Serie A but despite the obvious attraction of that encounter, Stramaccioni believes his team's only focus right now is on Parma.

"We need a perfect game because we face a Parma side that is in great form," Stramaccioni said. "The fact that they have won their last four games says it all.

"They are enthusiastic and they are still hungry to do well.

"Our fans can be calm because we will give our all to win this game.

"Our focus right now is on Parma not just because of who we face but also because the result could have an impact on the derby.

"We will only think about Milan after the game at Parma."

The Nerazzurri go into the encounter at the Ennio Tardini stadium on the back of Sunday's 2-1 triumph over Cesena.

That result was Inter's third win in their last four games and lifted them to fourth place, level on 55 points with Napoli, who are third and hold the last Champions League qualifying spot.

Lazio and Udinese are also level on points with Inter.

Rivals Parma climbed to eighth place after last weekend's 2-1 triumph at Lecce.

The result was the Gialloblu's fourth straight victory.

The Ducale club has shown few signs of weakness, giving away just two goals in its last four games while scoring nine times in as many matches.

"I am proud of my team," Parma coach Roberto Donadoni said. "I hope that we can continue to do well.

"Even though we have secured Serie A football, we want to get as many points as possible in order to honour the league."

Parma will be without goalkeeper Antonio Mirante, who fractured a finger at the weekend and is out for the rest of the season.

Nicola Pavarini will take his place in goal.