The Parma defender and captain: “We’re not down and out; we’re improving, and we’ll surprise you. We’re solid on defense, and we’ll get better on offense”

The captain’s voice is calm but firm. He gets straight to the point, bypassing form and focusing on substance. “We’re coming off two losses against Roma and Bologna, but we’re not down and out. My Parma is aiming for survival and can achieve it: we have the technical, physical, and mental qualities to do so. Now Milan is coming—a tough opponent—but we’re not starting out as underdogs. Last season, against the big teams, we always put in excellent performances. So…”. Enrico Delprato, like a true leader, points the way. It’s a tough, rather bumpy road, all uphill, “but soccer teaches us that anything is possible, and maybe we’ll pull off a surprise.”

Parma is struggling—what’s going on?

“Nothing out of the ordinary—we’re going through a normal adjustment period after so many new players arrived this summer, and now they need a little time to settle in. A few matches didn’t go so well, partly due to specific incidents: I’m thinking of the Cagliari game, when we conceded a goal from an offside call at the start of the play; I’m thinking of the Como game, when we were denied a penalty; I’m thinking of the Lecce game, when we probably deserved at least a point but ended up losing. I’m not saying these things to complain—that’s not my style—but to emphasize that judgments must always be balanced. We’re not superstars, but we’re not complete failures either.”

What’s Parma’s strength?

“The team’s unity. Everyone is pulling in the same direction, even more so than last year. And then there’s the enthusiasm that Coach Cuesta instills in us—that’s a real asset. Defensive solidity is definitely an important strength of this team.“

Where do we need to improve?

”In our attacking play. We need to manage possession better and support our forwards more—they sacrifice so much to help out. Let’s also note that players like Ondrejka and Oristanio are sidelined with injuries—they’re the kind of players who could take our attack to the next level.“

How can Milan be stopped?

”That’s a big problem that needs to be solved quickly. The Rossoneri are in second place; they have plenty of star players and a coach like Allegri who has given the team a major boost, even in terms of their style of play. I think Milan can win the Scudetto, and if they don’t, they’ll come very close.”

Be honest: would you settle for a draw?

“I would. I have no doubts. How many teams in Italy wouldn’t? Napoli, Inter, maybe Roma. That’s it. That doesn’t mean Parma will play for a draw. Far from it. We’ll take the field determined to win and give our fans a night of joy. It’s about managing situations effectively. If they force us to drop back, we’ll have to drop back. It’s natural for Milan to play that way. But when we have the ball at our feet, we’ll need to counter with energy and speed—and maybe, if we catch them out of position, who knows…”.

Stopping Leao is essential. How do you do that?

“You can only stop a player like him by playing as a ‘team.’ If you mark him man-to-man, he’s so fast that he’ll get away from you whenever he wants. We’ll all have to work together to limit him. But Allegri’s Milan isn’t just about Leao—there are others.”

Who are you thinking of?

“The midfield is incredibly strong. Modric, of course. But also Fofana, Ricci, and Loftus-Cheek. Players who get into position and are dangerous in the penalty area. Thanks to these players, Allegri has managed to create a harmonious style of play—probably more enjoyable to watch than the teams he’s coached in the past. The only solution: keep our eyes open and not fall into their traps.“

A teammate to watch out for?

”I’d say Patrick Cutrone. He came up through Milan’s youth system, so this match means a lot to him.”