The Parma defender and captain: “We’re not down and out, we’re growing and we’ll surprise you. We’re good in defense, we’ll improve in attack.”

The captain’s voice is calm but firm. He gets straight to the point, bypassing formality and focusing on substance. “We’ve had two defeats against Roma and Bologna, but we’re not down and out. My Parma team is aiming for safety and can achieve it: it has the technical, physical, and moral qualities to do so. Now Milan is coming, a difficult opponent, but we’re not starting out defeated. Last season, we always performed well against the big teams. So…“ Enrico Delprato, like a good leader, shows the way. It’s tough, rather bumpy, all uphill, ”but soccer teaches us that anything is possible, and maybe we’ll get a surprise.”

Parma is struggling, what’s going on?

“Nothing in particular, we are going through a normal period of growth after many new players arrived in the summer and now they need some time to settle in. Some games didn’t go very well, partly due to incidents: I’m thinking of Cagliari, when we conceded a goal from an offside position at the start of the move; I’m thinking of Como, when we were denied a penalty; I’m thinking of Lecce, when we probably deserved at least a point and instead we lost. I’m not saying these things to complain, it’s not in my nature, but to emphasize that judgments must always be balanced. We’re not phenomenal, but we’re not donkeys either.“

Parma’s strength?

”The unity of the group. Everyone is pulling in the same direction, even more so than last year. And then there’s the enthusiasm that coach Cuesta transmits to us, which is an added bonus. Certainly, defensive compactness is an important quality of this team.“

Where do we need to improve?

”In attack. We need to manage possession better and help the strikers more, who sacrifice a lot to lend a hand. Let’s add that players such as Ondrejka and Oristanio are out with injuries, and they could help us make a leap in quality up front.“

How can Milan be stopped?

”That’s a big problem that needs to be solved quickly. The Rossoneri are second, they have many champions and a coach like Allegri who has given them an important boost, even in terms of their 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 doubt about it. How many teams in Italy wouldn’t settle for that? Napoli, Inter, maybe Roma. That’s it. That doesn’t mean Parma will play for a draw. Far from it. We take to the pitch with the desire to win and give our fans an evening of joy. It’s about being good at managing situations. If they force us to sit back, we’ll have to sit back. It’s natural for Milan to behave this way. But when we have the ball at our feet, then we’ll have to restart with energy and speed, and maybe, if we find them out of position, who knows…”.

Stopping Leao is imperative. How do you do that?

“You can only stop someone like him by playing as a team. If you face 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 Leao, there are others.”

Who are you thinking of?

“The midfield is very strong. Modric, of course. But also Fofana, Ricci, Loftus-Cheek. Players who get involved and cause damage in the penalty area. Thanks to these players, Allegri has managed to create a harmonious style of play, probably more enjoyable than the teams he has coached previously. The only solution is to keep your eyes open and not fall into their traps.“

A teammate to focus on?

”I’d say Patrick Cutrone. He grew up at Milan, so he feels this challenge in a special way.”