Inter Milan arrive at Stadio Tardini to take on Parma Calcio with momentum restored and the Serie A summit back under their control. Sunday night’s emphatic win over Bologna not only avenged their Supercoppa setback but also underlined why the Nerazzurri remain the benchmark in the title race, edging ahead of both AC Milan and Napoli.
That response at San Siro was ruthless. Piotr Zieliński’s early strike set the tone, Lautaro Martinez continued his relentless scoring run to reach double figures in the league, and Marcus Thuram’s instinctive finish effectively settled the contest before Bologna found a late consolation.
It was Inter’s fifth straight league win since the Derby della Madonnina defeat, and another reminder of their attacking depth. With a goal tally already clear of their nearest challengers, Inter possess the most potent forward line in Serie A.
Cristian Chivu’s side have also been refreshingly decisive. 13 wins and four defeats from their opening 17 matches, without a single draw, speaks to a team that plays to win, and occasionally to lose, rather than settle. While defensive questions still surface in high-profile fixtures, Inter’s overall trajectory points firmly towards another Scudetto push.
Their away form strengthens that case further, with 18 points taken from a possible 24 on the road and no recent history of defeat in Parma. The hosts, however, are quietly stabilising. Chivu returns to the Tardini this time as an opponent, having previously overseen Parma’s survival, and his successor Carlos Cuesta is beginning to find his footing.
After an uneven start, Parma have picked up seven points from their last four matches, easing relegation fears and lifting them to 16th, six points above the bottom three. Wins over Fiorentina and a credible draw against Sassuolo, highlighted by Mateo Pellegrino’s superb strike, have injected confidence into a side that had looked fragile earlier in the campaign.
Still, the challenge of facing a free-scoring Inter is of a different magnitude. Parma have not beaten Inter in Serie A since September 2018, and even their most recent meeting here ended level rather than victorious. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how the clubs could line up on the night and what tactics they might employ.
Parma come into Wednesday’s clash with Inter carrying a relatively light injury list, though a few absences still shape Carlos Cuesta’s selection. Abdoulaye Ndiaye remains unavailable due to a groin problem, depriving the hosts of depth in midfield.
There is more positive news regarding Adrian Benedyczak, who could return to the matchday squad after recovering from illness and would provide an additional attacking option from the bench. Looking further ahead, long-term absentee Matija Frigan is expected back next month, along with first-choice goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, who continues his rehabilitation.
In terms of form, Mateo Pellegrino is set to spearhead the attack after a strong run of performances. The forward followed up an assist against Fiorentina with a well-taken goal at the weekend, cementing his place as Parma’s main focal point in the final third. His physical presence and finishing ability will be central to Parma’s hopes of troubling Inter’s back line.
Tactically, Parma are expected to retain a 3-5-2 formation against Inter Milan, prioritising structure and midfield compactness while looking to release their forwards quickly in transition. Edoardo Corvi should start in goal, shielded by a back three consisting of Enrico Delprato on the right, Alessandro Circati centrally, and Lautaro Valenti on the left. This trio will be tasked with staying organised against Inter’s fluid front line.
In midfield, Sascha Britschgi and Emanuele Valeri are likely to operate as wing-backs, balancing defensive duties with the need to provide width. Centrally, Adrian Bernabe is expected to dictate play, supported by Mandela Keita for ball-winning and Oliver Sorensen for energy and coverage. Up front, Jacob Ondrejka should partner Mateo Pellegrino, with the former offering movement and link-up play around the penalty area.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Corvi; Delprato, Circati, Valenti; Britschgi, Bernabe, Keita, Sorensen, Valeri; Ondrejka, Pellegrino
Inter travel to Parma with a largely settled squad, though a few absences still shape Cristian Chivu’s selection. Both first-choice wing-backs, Matteo Darmian and Denzel Dumfries, remain sidelined through injury, continuing to limit options on the flanks. Midfielder Andy Diouf also picked up a knock against Bologna and is unlikely to be risked.
In attack, there is more encouraging news: former Parma striker Ange-Yoan Bonny is expected to be fit in time to face his old club, but having only recently returned to full training, he is likely to begin on the bench. That leaves Chivu with a familiar decision up front. Lautaro Martinez, already the team’s leading scorer, is set to start once again and is chasing a personal milestone, aiming to become the first Inter player since 2007 to score in six consecutive Serie A matches.
The Argentine international is expected to be partnered either by Marcus Thuram, who has fond memories of this fixture after scoring in both meetings last season, or by Francesco Pio Esposito, depending on game management and fitness considerations.
From a tactical perspective, Inter Milan are expected to line up in their well-established 3-5-2 formation, which has underpinned their recent winning run and attacking fluency. Yann Sommer should continue in goal, shielded by a back three of Yann Bisseck on the right, Manuel Akanji centrally, and Alessandro Bastoni on the left, offering a blend of physicality, composure, and ball progression.
With Dumfries and Darmian unavailable, the wing-back roles are likely to be filled by Luis Henrique on the right and Federico Dimarco on the left, the latter a former Parma goalscorer himself. In midfield, Nicolo Barella is expected to provide energy and vertical runs, alongside Hakan Calhanoglu, who dictates tempo from deep, and Piotr Zielinski, fresh from scoring against Bologna. Up front, Marcus Thuram is favoured to partner Lautaro Martinez, combining physical presence with movement to stretch Parma’s defence.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Henrique, Barella, Calhanoglu, Zielinski, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez
Inter’s charge at the top of Serie A is being driven by the relentless form of Lautaro Martinez, who continues to set the standard as both captain and chief attacking outlet. The Argentine arrives in Parma in prolific mood, having scored in five successive league matches, and is now on the verge of a club milestone not achieved since 2007.
What makes Martinez so decisive is not just his finishing, but the completeness of his game. He leads the press from the front, drops intelligently to link play, and constantly drags defenders out of position with sharp movement across the line. Against a Parma defence likely to sit deep and protect central spaces, his ability to find separation in crowded areas could be crucial.
There is also a narrative edge to this fixture. Parma have historically struggled to contain Inter’s forwards, and Martinez’s instinct for punishing even minor lapses makes him a constant threat. Whether through a quick finish inside the box or a moment of anticipation on the counter, he has the tools to decide the contest. If Inter are to maintain their grip on first place, Martinez is once again the player most likely to make the difference.
Parma’s recent uptick in form suggests they will compete with energy and organisation, particularly in midfield, but this is a significant step up in opposition. Inter Milan arrive with momentum, confidence, and a proven ability to punish teams who leave even small gaps, especially away from home.
If Parma can stay compact early, they may frustrate Inter for spells, but the visitors’ attacking depth and movement, led by Lautaro Martinez, should eventually stretch the game. Inter’s ability to control tempo and strike decisively makes them strong favourites to manage this fixture professionally.
