Parma vs Cremonese - Serie A

A fascinating Serie A chapter awaits on March 21, 2026 when Parma take on Cremonese at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Just as was the case in the previous meeting between the teams in April of last year, when Emery's side gave them such a scare in the Champions League tie at Villa Park, PSG were hanging on at the end.

Both camps will view the Serie A meeting at the home ground as an opportunity to put a marker down, regardless of where they currently stand. Results have been in short supply for the hosts, with LDLL across their last five and a campaign win rate of 0% that makes for grim reading. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. But the Reds are still unsure about Bologna's asking price for the defender, who turned 28 in June and has less than 12 months to run on his contract at the Serie A side.

Set-piece efficiency could prove the difference on the night. Both Parma and Cremonese have invested time in dead-ball situations this season, and a single corner or free-kick may settle it. Schalke were third bottom for possession in winning the second tier, let alone facing Bayern.

Individual moments of quality could tip the balance. Both sides possess players capable of producing something out of nothing, and a single flash of brilliance may be all that separates them. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. However, it has been said that after asking for information on Zirkzee and Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, the Blues forward is a more feasible option.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. With positions in the Serie A table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.