In a crucial clash for the Serie A title race, Inter Milan faces Parma at the Tardini Stadium on Saturday, April 5, 2025. This match marks the 31st matchday of the season and is pivotal for both teams, albeit for vastly different reasons. While Inter aims to maintain its lead atop the league table, Parma is battling to secure its place in the top flight.
Inter comes into this match after a hard-fought 1-1 draw against their city rivals, AC Milan, in the Coppa Italia semifinals. Prior to that, they secured a vital victory over Udinese, keeping them three points ahead of second-placed Napoli. With the Champions League showdown against Bayern Munich looming, the Nerazzurri are keen to keep their momentum going.
On the other hand, Parma, led by former Inter player Cristian Chivu, is in desperate need of points to steer clear of the relegation zone. Currently sitting in 17th place, the Emilians are only a few points above the drop zone and will be looking to capitalize on any slip-ups from the visitors.
The match kicks off at 18:00 local time, and fans can catch the action live on DAZN, which will provide exclusive coverage of the encounter. The broadcast will begin at 17:30, giving viewers a chance to settle in before the teams take to the pitch.
As for the line-ups, both coaches have made some strategic decisions. Parma is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, featuring goalkeeper Suzuki and a backline including Delprato, Vogliacco, Valenti, and Valeri. The midfield trio will consist of Hernani, Keita, and Sohm, while the attacking trio will feature Man, Bonny, and Almqvist. Chivu will be hoping his squad can deliver a performance that can turn their fortunes around.
Meanwhile, Inter is set to deploy a 3-5-2 formation. Goalkeeper Sommer will be shielded by a defensive trio of Bisseck, Acerbi, and Bastoni. The midfield will be bolstered by Darmian, Frattesi, Asllani, Calhanoglu, and Dimarco, while the attacking partnership will see Lautaro Martinez and Thuram lead the charge. Coach Simone Inzaghi will welcome back Lautaro after injury, although he will be without key players like Barella, Dumfries, and Taremi.
Historically, Inter has had the upper hand against Parma, winning their last two encounters in Serie A. In fact, they have remained unbeaten in their last six league matches against the Emilians, with four victories and two draws. The last time Parma triumphed over Inter in the league was back on September 15, 2018, when they won 1-0 at the San Siro.
Interestingly, the Tardini Stadium has hosted 18 Serie A matches between these two teams since 2000, with both sides claiming seven victories and four matches ending in a draw. However, Inter has won their last three visits to Parma, showcasing their dominance in recent years.
On the statistical front, Inter has been particularly effective from set pieces this season, scoring 20 goals, the highest in the league. They have also excelled in corner situations, netting 10 goals from these opportunities. In contrast, Parma has struggled in this department, managing only 14 goals from set pieces, which highlights a significant disparity between the two sides.
As for individual performances, Ange-Yoan Bonny has been a standout for Parma, netting six goals this season. Only Paul Pogba has scored more among French players under 22 in Serie A history. For Inter, Marko Arnautovic is on a scoring streak, having found the net in his last three Serie A matches, and he will be looking to extend this record against Parma.
In terms of managerial tactics, Cristian Chivu will be keen to implement a game plan that can disrupt Inter's rhythm and exploit any defensive lapses. Meanwhile, Inzaghi's side will aim to control possession and utilize their attacking prowess to break down a potentially resolute Parma defense.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting encounter. Both teams have a lot at stake, and the outcome could have significant implications for their respective seasons. Will Inter continue their title charge, or can Parma pull off a crucial upset to aid their fight for survival?
With the stakes high and the atmosphere electric, fans from both sides are gearing up for what could be a thrilling match. Stay tuned as the action unfolds at the Tardini Stadium!
