AC Milan vs Parma preview - Destro convinced of Milan potential

Mattia Destro is convinced AC Milan have the potential to do well this season as he prepares to make his Rossoneri debut in Sunday's game against Parma at the San Siro.

The Italy international joined the Milan outfit on a six-month loan deal from Roma on Friday with an option to make his stay permanent this summer.

"I'm very happy to be here and to be part of this group," the 23-year-old forward told acmilan.com. "I'm really eager to do well.

"We want to prove that Milan is a big team, starting on Sunday.

"We have a good team and we will do all that we can to have a great campaign.

"I can't wait to get started."

Destro, who scored five goals in just eight league starts for second-place Roma this season, joins an AC Milan side that is out of the title race.

The Rossoneri are winless since December 14 and last weekend's 3-1 defeat at Lazio, their third loss in their last four league games, dropped Filippo Inzaghi's side to 11th place.

Milan, who are not competing in Europe this season, also bowed out of the Coppa Italia after a 1-0 home defeat to Lazio in midweek.

Rivals Parma also bowed out of the Coppa after a 1-0 home defeat to Juventus on Wednesday.

The Gialloblu have endured a dismal campaign and are at the foot of the standings, 10 points adrift of safety after last weekend's 2-1 loss to Cesena.

The Ducale club, who finished an impressive sixth last season, have won just three and lost 16 of their 20 league games.

"I'm not jumping ship," Parma coach Roberto Donadoni said. "I have a duty and I will remain at least until the end of the season."

Antonio Cassano did not feature for Parma in midweek after the Italian striker terminated his contract on Tuesday after a disagreement with the club over unpaid wages.

"It's very easy to say I'm leaving because I'm not getting paid," Donadoni said regarding Cassano's surprise departure. "But one cannot think only of oneself, one has to show more dignity than that."

Milan will be without defender Philippe Mexes, who serves his first of a four-match ban this weekend.