Parma vs Cremonese - Coppa Italia

There is a notable edge to this Coppa Italia fixture. When Parma meet Cremonese at Stadio Giovanni Zini on September 1, 2026, both will sense an opportunity to land a telling blow. Anderson was pointing out that City had held the whip hand in this fixture "for as long as I've known", which isn't exactly inaccurate but will also fan the flames ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford showdown.

Both Parma and Cremonese will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Coppa Italia. The hosts will be looking to find their rhythm and put a run of results together. Cremonese will travel with intent, knowing that a positive result here could kick-start their campaign. It remains to be seen if Leeds will target a No 10 or a winger capable of playing inside now that Brandt is off the table.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Parma will look to impose their style on home soil, while Cremonese are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. Few of Bouaddi's age possess such a rare blend of physicality off the ball, and poise and balance in possession.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman J. Pohjanpalo — 3 goals this term — will be one to watch. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. It is acknowledged that there is little chance of them signing him from United, but Bayern are said to be monitoring the striker as a future signing.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 1-1. With positions in the Coppa Italia table to defend and momentum to chase, neither side can afford to leave anything in the tank. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Liverpool's midfield wasn't great last year but I expect Florian Wirtz to have a better season, 100 per cent.