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Parma by Carlos Cuesta hosts Como by Fàbregas: a challenge between the two youngest coaches in Serie A, but with very different destinies at the moment.

Tomorrow afternoon, Parma will host Como in a fascinating and internationally flavored match: on one side Carlos Cuesta, on the other Cesc Fàbregas, the two youngest coaches in the league and compatriots. On paper, the projects of the two clubs seem similar: both focus on fresh ideas, ambitious coaches, and squads built on young players to be valued.

But the reality on the field tells a different story. While Como has confirmed the solidity and style seen in the last season, as demonstrated by the splendid victory against Juventus in the last round, Parma seems to be stuck, unable to find continuity and rhythm.

Rome, Italy 22.12.2024: Emanuele Valeri of Parma during Italian football championship Serie A Enilive 2024-2025 match AS Roma vs Parma Calcio at Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

Parma, confidence to regain

The main problem for Cuesta remains the lack of a clear playing identity. The yellow-blue team often appears lacking bite and struggles especially in the offensive phase, where it seems to overly depend on the individual plays of its best players.

The serious injuries of Ondrejka and Frigan have certainly complicated the plans, but the feeling is that more decisive action could have been taken in the summer transfer market, especially after the significant departures of Leoni, Bonny, and Sohm. Now Cuesta finds himself with a squad lacking quality and alternatives, while the management, despite reiterating confidence in their coach, cannot ignore the warning signs.

Another misstep could indeed raise doubts about the future of the Spanish coach, with fans finally asking for a solid performance and some signs from an attack so far too dependent on Pellegrino.

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Inter coach Christian Chivu speaks at a press conference on the eve of the big match against Napoli at Maradona.

No one is in better form than Inter. The Nerazzurri, coming off 7 consecutive victories in Serie A and Champions League, want to continue their great form in the big match against Napoli. The Maradona challenge, between the top two teams of last season, could determine new power dynamics at the top. Currently, both teams are tied on 15 points in the standings.

The match against Conte’s team also gives Inter a chance to redeem themselves after losing last season’s title to Napoli by just one point. On the eve of the game, Inter coach Christian Chivu spoke at a press conference. Here are his words.

Inter, Chivu’s Words

Match.

“We can’t make comparisons with last year but look at what happened last year: they won the league and we didn’t. The rivalry and ambitions are there.”

Rest Day.

“I don’t need to justify it, it seems normal to me. Sometimes, it’s the best training. We’re coming from a very intense period, it seemed right to take a break and give them a day with their families. I trust their professionalism.”

Can this game shape the season?

“It’s important, we’re only on matchday eight. We understand that a lot is at stake but not everything. We go with conviction and we must be prepared.”

Are you preparing something different?

“I’ve learned that all games should be treated equally to maintain continuity, you can’t afford to consider yourself superior to others or you won’t win. I’ve been in teams where training was harder than the matches but we always had the right attitude.”

Lautaro’s Partner.

Ange-Yoan Bonny and Lautaro Martinez (PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI)

“For me, it doesn’t change anything, I have 4 compatible and generous strikers, if I mix them, the team’s performance remains the same. For me, there are no pairs, they have shown they can play together.”

Is it becoming harder to score in Serie A?