Parma, November 8, 2025 – Head Coach Carlos Cuesta spoke at the press conference ahead of Parma vs. AC Milan, on matchday eleven of Serie A.

AHEAD OF AC MILAN

'The team is fully focused on the game. We have the correct attitude and hunger to do our best, and I believe in our players. We will approach the game with enthusiasm and the will to win. We will give it our all, we need to be compact, organised and make the most of the players we have available.

At ease because we are facing a big team? That's now how I see it. The team and I represent the Club every day and we feel a big sense of responsibility. I think tomorrow is an opportunity for us, but 'at ease' is now I'd describe it.

We need to learn to deal with key moments better, and to understand that even if we are behind we are still in the game and make the most of opportunities. That's what makes the difference in deciding games.

We must go into this with faith in ourselves, the correct attitude and the usual team spirit we have shown. The team has always reacted well in tough moments and I'm confident that they will do the same against AC Milan.'

THE OPPONENT

'AC Milan are a big team, on an individual and collective level, with excellent players in all departments. We need to be alert and make the most of possession and chances.

After the defeat to Bologna, there is a big desire to bounce back and correct our mistakes. We have always been in the game, despite the difficulties we have had. Tomorrow, we really want to come out and play well in front of our fans.

Allegri is a legend of Italian football, he's incredibly adaptable and has exemplary values. His teams always have a strong identity.

AC Milan alternate between pressing high and waiting for their opponent, intelligently. Compactness and solidity are two of their main strengths.

Leao? We are focusing on the collective aspect, but we know they also have great individual talent. Our attention is on our own team, and I am sure they will give their all.'

RESPONDING TO ADVERSITY

'Absences? They happen, but we have a squad that allows us to choose between various players that constantly show how eager they are to play. I'm not sure I'd settle for a draw, that depends of several factors. What's for sure is that we need to deal with the key moments well.

On that note, on Wednesday I was at the Teatro Regio (for the tenth anniversary celebrations of PPC) and it made me realise that everything this Club has gone through should be a source of inspiration. Everyone has been through difficulty at some point, the difference is how you react. We musn't look for excuses or set limits for ourselves, but instead become even more united.'

BRITSCHGI

“He’s always given everything. A player’s development path is never linear, but he, like many others, is improving day by day. He has great potential, has settled in quickly, and we’re very happy with what he’s doing. As for the defence, we have several central defenders available, and tomorrow we’ll choose the ones who can give us the best possible performance.”