Milan aim to continue a run of 24 games without a defeat

Massimiliano Allegri says he is less concerned about being seven points behind Inter than about pulling 11 points clear of fifth-placed Juventus — and effectively sealing a return to the Champions League three months before the end of the season. In truth, that was his main priority at the start of his second spell in charge of AC Milan. How seriously Allegri is taking the clash with Parma is reflected in the fact that he took the players into a hotel training camp just steps away from San Siro to avoid potential traffic congestion, given that the Olympic Games conclude today. Milan are unbeaten in 24 league matches, essentially since the opening round when they suffered an unfortunate setback against Cremonese. However, the draw with Como at San Siro significantly dampened the Rossoneri’s hopes of entering the Scudetto race with Inter.

Allegri will not be on the touchline due to a red card suspension, but he is expected to have Strahinja Pavlović available. Still, there is a strong possibility the Serbian defender will start on the bench. Allegri is considering an experiment, potentially deploying Bartesaghi in Pavlović’s position, with Estupinan operating as the fifth midfielder out wide. The return of Adrien Rabiot to the starting lineup after serving his suspension for a red card against Pisa is very important for Milan. For the first time in a while, Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao are also expected to start together. Milan’s two best attacking players this season have shared just 315 minutes on the pitch so far, and this will be only the fourth match in which both feature in the starting XI.

Allegri lashes out at Cesc: "You're an idiot!"

Still, Milan’s true alfa and omega has become Luka Modrić. Allegri has entrusted him with the keys to the team, and the Croatian star effectively acts as the coach’s extension on the field. In fact, Milan’s management has already offered the veteran a contract extension despite the fact that he is now in his fifth decade of life. In 14 of the previous 15 meetings between the two sides, both teams have found the net — the only exception being a 1–0 Milan victory. The hosts have generally dominated at San Siro, winning eight of the last 10 encounters there, with one draw and one defeat.

SERIE A - MATCHDAY 26

Friday

Sassuolo - Hellas Verona 3-0 (2-0)

/Pinamonti 40, Berardi 44, 62/

Saturday

Juventus - Como 0-2 (0-1)

/Vojvoda 11, Caqueret 61/

Lecce - Inter 0-2 (0-0)

/Mkhitaryan 75, Akanji 82/

Cagliari - Lazio 0-0

Sunday

14.30: (2.35) Genoa (3.15) Torino (3.50)

17.00: (2.55) Atalanta (3.25) Napoli (3.05)

20.00: (1.35) Milan (5.30) Parma (10.0)

22.45: (1.37) Roma (5.00) Cremonese (9.50)