Milan's start to this month has been unconvincing as they have drawn both their games and find themselves being caught by the other Scudetto challengers. The goalless encounter with Lazio at San Siro wasn't exactly a disappointing result but the 1-1 draw with Genoa last weekend was.
The four points dropped in those two games mean that Milan's lead at the top of the table in Serie A has now been trimmed to just three points and their advantage over city-rivals Inter is a mere five points with the defending Italian and European champions retaining a game in hand.
It is almost imperative that the Rossoneri win against Parma this weekend or else see themselves lose their grasp over the Scudetto. Coach Massimiliano Allegri is staying focused and says "The season is still long and there are many games to go. I have never seen a team in Italy win the Scudetto with months to go.
"It would have been nice for everyone, but we are doing well at the moment. We knew Inter would return to fight for the Scudetto, and Napoli and Roma are also fighting. But what we need to do is to carry on with the focus."
Eying An Upset
Parma will head to Milan on Saturday targeting a shock win over the former Italian and European champions. The Ducali haven't looked in great health of late and also have a poor away form, but with the Diavolo not exactly looking formidable in their last two matches, Pasquale Marino's side will be hopeful of getting something from San Siro.
Parma are currently 15th in the league standings with 26 points from 24 matches and are just four points above the relegation zone. Last weekend's 1-1 draw with Fiorentina saw them gain their first point in three league encounters and regain some confidence.
Attacker Sebastian Giovinco hopes that Parma can demonstrate some of that confidence and belief against Milan and enthuses, "We must go there trying to play our own style, without any fear.
"The only danger is from ourselves, in the sense that we have to be in the right frame of mind on the pitch. In my opinion, we are capable of getting a result."
TEAM NEWS
Milan
Antonini, Boateng, Zambrotta, Inzaghi, Amelia, Strasser, Ambrosini and Legrottaglie all are on the sidelines and are not available for action this weekend.
Parma
Pisano, Calvo and Marques are injured and will not travel to Milan because of injuries. Morrone is suspended.
Prediction
Milan have stuttered in recent games and Parma will be hopeful of conjuring up an upset. However, the Rossoneri's quality in attack is far superior to that of the visitors and the Italian giants should garner the points with relative ease.
Milan 3-0 Parma 
