AC Milan’s Slow Start Continues as Parma Defy the Odds

AC Milan’s struggles in Serie A under new coach Paulo Fonseca continued as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at Parma on Saturday. The seven-time European champions have now collected just one point from their first two league matches under the Portuguese tactician.

Matteo Cancellieri scored the decisive goal 13 minutes from time, expertly meeting Pontus Almqvist’s low cross to score his first goal since joining Parma on loan from Lazio. The 22-year-old winger’s strike sealed the win for the hosts, who defied their newly-promoted status to earn a impressive victory.

Parma were dangerous every time they went on the counter-attack, and could have been out of sight by half-time had their finishing been more clinical. Fonseca acknowledged that his team has a problem with defending and being aggressive, and that they struggled to press high against Torino in their previous match.

Despite Milan’s improved performance after the break, they were ultimately punished by another lightning Parma break that led to Cancellieri’s winner. The loss leaves Milan with a lot to ponder ahead of their next match, while Parma will look to build on this impressive victory.

In other news, champions Inter Milan will make their San Siro debut for the campaign against Lecce without injured captain and star striker Lautaro Martinez, while Monza host Genoa. Mehdi Taremi will make his first start for Simone Inzaghi’s team since signing as a free agent last month, after being released by Porto.