Parma's inconsistent form has prevented them from climbing up the table but has allowed them to win just enough points to feel safe from relegation. But now comes the ultimate Serie A test, as they host title contenders and current table leaders Inter Milan.
Parma have been alternating results since the start of the season, with a whopping 18 points in 17 rounds, which still puts them six points clear from the drop zone.
Generally, the Crusaders have one of the better defences in the league, at least the best in the bottom half of the table. But that matters little when you have the least productive attack in the league, with only 12 goals in 17 games.
Inter Milan, on the other hand, are in a league of their own when it comes to scoring this season. The Nerazzurri have scored 38 goals in their 17 games so far, which is 10 more than their closest competitor.
They may have failed in the Supercoppa Italiana and faltered in the Champions League, but they are dominating Serie A and have five consecutive wins. No other team in the league can boast a form like theirs.
How the bookies view it: Inter should have it easy
We are used to seeing Inter as favourites in almost every game this season, but in this case, the bookmakers are completely writing off their opponents' chances.
However, if you want to bet on a surprise home win, Parma are available at 13/2. On the other hand, the draw is priced at 17/4, and Inter at just 2/5.
Recent head-to-head: The Nerazzurri are unbeaten since 2018
Seven years have passed since Parma last claimed the points against Inter Milan, but last season’s performance in the same fixture should give them some confidence.
The Crusaders managed a 2-2 draw last year, although they lost the reverse fixture 3-1. And overall, Inter have five wins in the last 10 H2Hs, while four ended level.
Players to watch: Martinez is inevitable
Lautaro Martinez is on track to match or improve his best Serie A record with Inter, as he already has 10 goals in 17 appearances this season. He hasn’t looked this good since the 2023/24 campaign and is the main reason for Inter’s success in recent weeks.
The Argentinian scored at least once in each of Inter’s last five Serie A matches, all of which were also wins. Whether or not he continues scoring remains to be seen, but we feel like backing him against a struggling side from the bottom half is a must.
Backed a player to find the net? Check our Goalscorer Betting guide to see how the markets work and where to find value.
Probable line-ups
Parma: Corvi, Del Prato, Circati, Valenti, Britschgi, Keita, Bernabe, Sorensen, Valeri, Ondrejka, Pellegrino
Inter Milan: Sommer, Bastoni, Akanji, Bisseck, Henrique, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco, Martinez, Thuram
Anything else catch the eye?
Regardless of the form of the two teams, their matches almost always guarantee high scores. Seven of the last eight clashes have included goals from both teams.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to blindly trust Parma at the moment because they are the lowest-scoring team in the league, but we can certainly expect at least two goals from Inter.
An Inter win & Over 1.5 goals is a great option, and you can also try some of the corner markets. The Nerazzurri are the team with the most corners in Serie A this season, averaging 7.18 per game.
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