Half-Time Report: Marco Parolo, Antonio Cassano net against AC Milan

AC Milan have it all to do in Serie A this afternoon against Parma thanks to early efforts from Marco Parolo and Antonio Cassano.

The midfielder gambled on Jonathan Biabiany's cross at the far post just 10 minutes in, taking full advantage of a fortunate deflection to smash home the opener from close range.

Milan struggled to cope with Parma on the counter as former Rossoneri forward Cassano dropped off the front to cause problems, regularly releasing Biabiany for pacy bursts out wide.

Andrea Poli had Milan's best chance of the opening period, firing inches wide of the target after a neat exchange with Valter Birsa.

Mario Balotelli was booked for diving towards the end of a frustrating 45 minutes for Milan, as Parma extended their advantage through Cassano in first-half stoppage time.

The veteran forward controlled Biabiany's low cross before guiding a measured strike into the bottom corner, leaving Milan with a mountain to climb.