Parma vs. AC Milan: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online

The last time Milan visited Parma, the hosts came away with all three points in most dramatic fashion. Parma went into the break up by two but Milan fought back, only for Marco Parolo to send in the winner deep into extra time. The match a warning sign for the rossoneri, who slipped into the bottom half of the table, and failed to even challenge for the European positions. Parma, meanwhile, went on to clinch the Europa League, only to be booted due to an administrative error.

It's unlikely this match will play such a defining role. This is only Round 2, and the sides have just had a break for internationals. Parma already looked rather disjointed against Cesena last weekend, falling 1-0 to the newly promoted side, but with few players away, the extra week may have done them good. As for Milan, this season needs to be about consistency, and a second straight win would do wonders for their goal of making it back near the top.

Key Player: Nigel De Jong

He may not be the most talented player in Serie A, but De Jong is an integral part of Milan, and one of the few who saved face last season. If Milan is to do anything this year, De Jong will have to do what he does best - stopping other team from doing anything creative. It may not be pretty, in fact it may be downright dirty and edging toward the violent, but De Jong offers a much needed protection for Milan's shaky defense. When facing a team that has a couple of very talented, albeit not very quick players in Antonio Cassano and Francesco Lodi, it will be important to stop their attacks before they even develop.

True, Cassano is not the great player he once was, but he's still one of the most gifted players in Serie A, and he will have a huge motive to perform against his old team, particularly as they didn't exactly give him a loving send-off. Daniele Bonera, on the other hand, wasn't among the best defenders even when he was at his prime. Alex surprised many last week, but is the veteran quick enough to deal with Cassano's magic?

Parma injuries and suspensions

Jonathan Biabiany, Nicola Pozzi (injured)

AC Milan injuries and suspensions

Stephan El Shaarawy, Riccardo Montolivo (injured)

Biabiany's taken a knock and is set to be evaluated prior to game time, but you have to wonder if it's just that Parma don't quite trust him against Milan. He had a major role in last year's win, but having narrowly missed out on a transfer to the rossoneri, perhaps his heart wouldn't be in this one. Meanwhile, El Shaarawy is rumored to be rested after picking up an injury on international duty. Considering how bright he looked against Lazio, this could prove a problem for Milan.