Parma vs. AC Milan, preview: Can Milan find some momentum?

AC Milan haven't enjoyed their start to the season, currently sitting eighth in Serie A and already 13 points in arrears of league leaders AS Roma. However, their win at home to Udinese last weekend combined with a solid performance in a 1-1 draw at home to Barcelona on Tuesday has given Max Allegri's side renewed confidence ahead of Sunday's trip to Parma.

Roberto Donadoni's side have also had a stuttering start to the campaign, with their last match away at Hellas Verona seeing their four game unbeaten streak brought to an abrupt conclusion. Nevertheless, the crociati are only a couple of points below Milan in the table, and their recent performances have suggested it's only a matter of time before things start to click into place.

They'll be without Daniele Galloppa and star defender Gabriel Paletta for Milan's visit, while backup striker Stefano Okaka is an early doubt. For the rossoneri, Giampaolo Pazzini, Stephan El Shaarawy and Philippe Mexès are suspended, with Daniele Bonera, Mattia De Sciglio and Christian Abbiati facing late fitness tests to determine their availability.

Parma: Antonio Mirante; Alessandro Lucarelli, Felipe dal Belo, Mattia Cassani; Massimo Gobbi, Marco Parolo, Marco Marchionni, Walter Gargano, Jonathan Biabiany; Amauri, Antonio Cassano

AC Milan: Gabriel; Kévin Constant, Cristián Zapata, Matías Silvestre, Ignazio Abate; Sulley Muntari, Nigel De Jong, Riccardo Montolivo; Kakà; Mario Balotelli, Alessandro Matri

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