As Antonio Conte takes his in-form Inter team down to the Ennio Tardini stadium on Thursday, he will have fresh memories of the two (2) points he dropped to Fabio Liverani’s men in October at the San Siro. Liverani departed in January, but Gervinho, who scored a double in the 2-2 draw, is still at Parma. Gervinho had been deemed surplus to requirements in the January transfer window. He has fallen down the pecking order, but there is no doubting his quality. He could be an option off the bench.

As a serial winner, Conte needs no reminders of the importance of every point. He takes nothing for granted, and he will want an emphatic result against this struggling Parma team. Parma nearly beat him; so, that is an added incentive to motivate Inter in the game. Conte knows that three (3) points may increase his Serie A lead over Milan to seven (7) points. A win for Parma could take them closer to the 18th position and boost their relegation battle.

In contrast, Parma Manager Roberto D’Aversa will be using the October result where Parma were so close to a massive upset to encourage his charges that they can go one step further this time around.

D’Aversa will be without Roberto Inglese, but he will be hoping Juraj Kucka and Wylan Cyprien can recover in time for this challenging fixture. Except for doubts over Ivan Perisic’ fitness, Inter have a fully fit squad.

D’Aversa knows Inter has the depth to bring on quality players with each substitution. The keys to this game for Parma will be to match Inter in the midfield. With the ball, Inter have the potential to play as many as six (6) midfielders if Martinez drops deep and the wing-backs push up into midfield. Martinez, dropping into midfield, pulls defenders out of position. Defenders pushing into midfield creates space for Lukaku to make powerful runs, either to the flanks or into the box. He can hold up the ball and wait for support or take on defenders and test the keeper with a powerful shot. Inter has so many beautiful strikers of the ball that goal threats are everywhere and need to be closed down. 

D’Aversa may consider bringing in an extra body in midfield for a double pivot to shield his defence. The added midfielder could affect his attacking playing style that has contributed to increases in goals scored. D’Aversa wide forwards must drop deep to match Inter numerically in midfield when out of possession. Space will exist behind the inter wing-backs at times. Playing the ball long to Cornelius allows Parma to relieve pressure and move the team up the field. He has strong hold-up play, and he can flick the ball into space behind the wing-backs for Karamoh and Mihaila to make runs in behind the Inter defence.

Inter’s form and quality should carry them comfortably through this game but never underestimate the underdogs. Parma could very well spring a shock result.

Inter should take this one by a 0-2 margin.