Parma vs AC Milan preview - Allegri back pitchside for Milan

A touchline ban proved to be just the tonic for AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri, who returns to the dug-out for the Serie A game at Parma.

Allegri was among the relieved spectators at the San Siro as Stephan El Shaarawy's brace earned the Rossoneri a first home win of the season at the expense of Cagliari.

He had stand-in Mauro Tassotti to thank for delivering three much-needed points as he served a one-match suspension, also using the opportunity to assess his underachieving side from a different perspective.

He told the Gazzetta dello Sport: "Being banned was difficult, but it did let me observe the team from up on high.

"And there was nothing to worry about anyway because Mauro was in charge.

"We had a good first half against Cagliari, especially following our first goal. And when it was time to defend, the team stayed tight and didn't give anything away.

"We just couldn't afford to take a backward step against Cagliari."

Last season's runners-up are seven points off the pace set by Juventus and Napoli, having won just twice so far, and Allegri remains baffled as to why Milan are not among the chasing pack.

"I thought we'd have 15 points by now but we've gone wrong somewhere," he added. "But the season is a long one.

"Juve remain the favourites, Napoli aren't in the Champions League - even though the Europa League is very demanding - and then there's Roma and Inter (Milan).

"Winning three points can soon put you back on the right track."

Midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng returns from suspension with Brazilian striker Robinho likely to start after recovering from injury to feature from the bench in midweek.

Parma, meanwhile, are eager to tie coach Roberto Donadoni to a longer contract before Milan's fortunes take another nosedive.

A club legend for his work in Arrigo Sacchi's Milan midfield during the 1980s, Donadoni is rumoured to top a list of possible replacements should Allegri leave the San Siro.

Parma president Tommaso Ghirardi told the Gazzetta dello Sport: "I like Donadoni's humility and work ethic. I also like how he is always so elegant and refined.

"Milan's interest? We are already in discussions with him regarding a new contract.

"We want Donadoni at the centre of our project here and I'm sure he wants the same thing."