AC Milan vs Parma preview - Donadoni expects Milan response

Posted Saturday, March 15, 2014 by PA

Parma coach Roberto Donadoni expects AC Milan to go all out for a win when the two sides meet at the San Siro on Sunday.

The Rossoneri are eager to make amends for Tuesday's 4-1 defeat at Atletico Madrid that saw them ousted from the Champions League in the last 16.

That result, their third straight loss, followed their 1-0 reverse at Udinese that dropped Milan to 10th place in Serie A, nine points behind city rivals Inter, who are fifth and hold the last Europa League qualifying spot.

Donadoni, a former AC Milan player, is expecting a response.

"It will not be an easy game," he said. "They will be determined to return to winning ways and we can expect an AC Milan backlash.

"They are a strong side, that must be respected and feared."

Milan coach Clarence Seedorf put a brave face after his team's humiliating loss in Spain.

"We are disappointed," he said. "But we can't throw the good work we have done in the past.

"We will now turn our full attention to the league.

"There are 11 games to go and we have some very specific aims, which we believe we can get.

"We must try to end the season as best as we can.

"I want to see my players take on Parma with the spirit of a side that wants to make up for this setback."

With AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli doubtful for the encounter with a muscular injury, Giampaolo Pazzini is set to lead Milan's attack.

Unlike Milan, rivals Parma have enjoyed a fantastic campaign.

They beat Hellas Verona 2-0 on Sunday to extend their unbeaten run in the league to 15 games.

The Ducale club, who have a game in hand, are sixth in the standings, one point behind Inter.

"We are satisfied with how our season is going," Donadoni said.

"But the campaign doesn't end now.

"We have to keep playing our style of football with confidence and remain calm.

"We must keep our feet firmly on the ground."

Former AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano, who is Parma's top scorer this season with nine goals, will play alongside Carvalho Amauri in attack.

The hosts will be without suspended defender Mattia De Sciglio while Parma are without the services of defender Gabriel Paletta, who serves a one-match ban this weekend.