Parma captain: Milan have a chance to win the Serie A title, defending Leo requires a team effort

In the 11th round of Serie A tomorrow morning, Parma will face Milan at home. Parma captain Prato was interviewed before the game.

Parma is currently in a bad situation

We lost to Roma and Bologna in the previous two games, but we did not fall. Parma's goal is to avoid relegation, and we are fully capable of achieving this goal. We have the necessary conditions in terms of technology, physical fitness, and morale. Next we will face Milan, which is a difficult opponent, but we will not admit defeat early. We always performed well against big teams last season, so... football teaches us that anything is possible and there may be unexpected surprises.

Why does Parma face this dilemma?

Nothing special, we are going through a normal growth stage because there are many new players coming this summer and they need some time to adapt. Some games did not go well, but some were due to accidental events, such as the game against Cagliari, where the opponent scored an offside goal; and the game against Como, we should have received a penalty; and against Lecce, we should have at least scored 1 point, but ended up losing. I am not complaining when I say this. This is not my character. I just want to emphasize that the evaluation must be fair. We are not geniuses, but we are not useless either.

What are the advantages of Parma?

Team cohesion. Everyone is working in the same direction and is more united than last season. In addition, there is also the enthusiasm that coach Cuesta brings to us, which is also an added value. Undoubtedly, defensive tightness is an important characteristic of this team.

What areas do you need to improve?

Offensive aspect. We have to control the ball better and provide more help to the forwards who make huge sacrifices to support the team. In addition, Ondreka and Oristagno are currently missing due to injuries, and they could have improved the team's level.

How will you stop Milan in this game?

This is a thorny issue that needs to be resolved as soon as possible. Milan is currently ranked second in the Serie A standings. They have many top players and a coach like Allegri, who has made important changes in their playing style. I think Milan have a chance to win the Scudetto, and even if they don't win, they will be very close.

Honestly, would you rather get a draw?

Of course I do, I don’t hesitate. How many teams in Italy are unwilling to draw against Milan? Napoli, Inter, maybe Roma, that's it. But I don't mean that Parma will fight to keep the tie, on the contrary, we will go out with the desire to win and give our fans a happy night. We must be good at dealing with various situations. If the opponent forces us to retreat, we must retreat. It is normal for Milan to do this. But when the ball is at our feet, we have to attack again with energy and speed. Maybe, if we find that the opponent is not in a good position, who knows what will happen...

The most important thing is to guard Leo, what will you do?

A player like him can only be limited by team defense. If we go it alone on defense, he has the speed to get away from you easily and we have to work together to defend him. But Allegri's Milan is not just Leo, there are other players.

For example?

Milan’s midfielder is very strong. Modric, of course, but also Fofana, Ricci, and Loftus-Cheek. These players can all step into the attack and create threats in the penalty area. With these players, Allegri can find a harmonious tactical system that may be more enjoyable to play than the teams he coached before. The only way to deal with it is to stay alert at all times and don't fall into their trap.

Finally, please choose a reliable teammate

I would say Cutrone. He grew up in Milan's youth training and this game has a special feeling for him.