Serie A Preview: Milan, Inter, And Napoli Face Key Test Ahead Of International Break

‎As Serie A heads into its final round before the November international break, Italy’s top flight promises a weekend of tension, and high-stakes football.

‎Parma vs AC Milan 

‎Fresh off a morale-boosting 1-0 home victory over Roma, early-season Scudetto contenders AC Milan travel to Stadio Ennio Tardini to face Parma, a club once famed for its golden era but now battling for Serie A survival.

‎Milan are unbeaten in ten matches across all competitions (W7, D3) and remain just a single point behind reigning champions Napoli. For Massimiliano Allegri, this is a must-win before the international break and the upcoming Derby della Madonnina against Inter.

‎Last season’s 2-1 defeat on this ground still lingers in Milanese minds and it provides the perfect incentive to stay sharp.

‎Parma, meanwhile, is fighting to keep faith in head coach Carlos Cuesta, whose position grows more fragile with each setback. The Crusaders have picked up just one win from their opening ten league games (D4, L5) their second-worst start in club history.

‎Full-Time Prediction:

‎Parma’s woes extend at both ends of the pitch. Despite scoring after just 13 seconds against Bologna last weekend, they fell 3-1, emphasizing a defensive frailty that Milan’s front line will be eager to exploit.

‎The hosts have managed only five goals all season, the lowest tally in Serie A, while Milan’s defence has been rock-solid, conceding only seven.

‎The Rossoneri have opened the scoring in seven of their ten league fixtures and remain unbeaten away from home (W2, D2), keeping three clean sheets.

‎History also favours them, with four wins and one draw in their last six meetings with Parma. Expect Allegri’s men to control proceedings and extend their fine form.

‎Parma’s goal drought is likely to continue they’ve failed to score in six matches already. Milan’s disciplined back line and efficient counterattack suggest a low-scoring affair unless the visitors strike early.

‎A 2-0 Milan win feels the most probable outcome, maintaining their pursuit of Napoli at the top of the table.

‎Inter Milan vs Lazio

‎Having secured a perfect record in Europe, Inter Milan now turns their attention back to Serie A as it hosts Lazio at San Siro on Sunday evening.

‎Cristian Chivu’s side has won six of their last seven league matches, scoring freely and showing the resilience of genuine title challengers.

‎Last weekend’s 2-1 triumph over Hellas Verona, sealed by a Piotr Zielinski free-kick and a late own goal, kept the Nerazzurri third in the standings, firmly in the Scudetto race.

‎With Lautaro Martínez leading the line and Hakan Çalhanoğlu orchestrating from midfield, Inter have found the balance between attacking flair and tactical discipline.

‎Lazio, however, is not to be underestimated. Maurizio Sarri’s men are unbeaten in six league matches and have rediscovered their defensive play, keeping four straight clean sheets for the first time since 2023.

‎Monday’s 2-0 win over Cagliari has lifted the Biancocelesti within six points of Inter, and they’ll be eager to prove their revival is no illusion.

‎Team News:

‎Inter have been dominant at San Siro, unbeaten in their last six home games against Lazio in Serie A (plus a Coppa Italia win).

‎Chivu may recall defensive mainstays Bastoni and Acerbi, while Çalhanoğlu continues to shine from set pieces, already matching last season’s goal tally with five three of them from outside the box.

‎For Lazio, defensive leader Alessio Romagnoli is set to miss out through injury, joining Nicolo Rovella, Taty Castellanos, and Matteo Cancellieri on the sidelines. Sarri’s limited squad depth could be exposed against Inter’s relentless press and variety of scorers.

‎Prediction: Inter’s superior squad depth, home advantage, and attacking variety should prove decisive.

‎Expect a 2-1 or 3-1 win for the hosts, though Lazio’s organised defence may keep it competitive.

‎Bologna vs Napoli

‎Both held to goalless draws in Europe, Bologna and Napoli renew their domestic rivalry at Stadio Dall’Ara on Sunday. The fixture pits two of Serie A’s most tactically astute managers, Vincenzo Italiano and Antonio Conte, against each other in what promises to be a fascinating battle of styles.

‎Bologna’s Renaissance

‎Bologna have matched their best start to a Serie A season in the 21st century, collecting 18 points from 10 games. Building on last year’s Coppa Italia triumph, Italiano’s side are unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions.

‎A 3-1 comeback victory at Parma in the Derby dell’Emilia showcased their resilience, with Santiago Castro’s first Serie A brace lifting them into the top six.

‎Even with ten men, Bologna held SK Brann to a 0-0 draw on Thursday, underlining their defensive organisation and composure under pressure.

‎Their home form has been excellent, and they’ve avoided defeat in their last three Serie A meetings with Napoli.

‎Napoli’s Mixed Fortunes

‎Conte’s Napoli have reclaimed top spot after edging past Inter Milan and Lecce, but inconsistency remains a concern especially away from home.

‎Despite an unbeaten home record, the Partenopei have already lost two of five league games on the road, as many as in their entire title-winning campaign last term.

‎Goalkeeper Vanja Milinković-Savić continues to be their unlikely hero, saving multiple penalties and keeping successive clean sheets.

‎Yet in attack, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Leonardo Spinazzola remain sidelined, leaving Napoli short of creativity. Conte is likely to pair Lorenzo Lucca or Rasmus Højlund up front, supported by Matteo Politano and David Neres.

‎Prediction:

‎Bologna’s tactical discipline could frustrate the champions once again. Expect a tight, cagey contest, with Napoli perhaps edging a 1-0 or 2-1 win if their forwards rediscover sharpness.

‎A draw, however, would not surprise Bologna and their confidence and home form make them dangerous opponents.