When you mention Parma, seasoned Rossoneri fans immediately recall the unforgettable goal scored by Faustino Asprilla on March 21, 1993, which ended Fabio Capello’s remarkable 58-match unbeaten streak with AC Milan. Today, Parma stands as the challenge Paulo Fonseca must overcome to secure his first league victory as Milan’s manager. However, the Portuguese coach faces not only an opposing team but also internal dilemmas, particularly the absence of Álvaro Morata, Milan’s marquee summer signing who was expected to support Olivier Giroud. Morata, a key player for Spain and scorer shortly after his league debut against Torino, has been sidelined due to a muscle injury for about three weeks, leaving Fonseca to decide between Luka Jovic—who struggled in the previous match—or Noah Okafor, whose late equalizer against Torino proved crucial.
Milan fans, based on a recent poll, lean towards Okafor to start, with 49.6% of respondents supporting him, while 43.3% opted for 16-year-old prodigy Francesco Camarda. Jovic, on the other hand, is a distant third, receiving only 7.3% of the votes and is viewed as a poor fit for the role. This decision is further complicated by Jovic’s lackluster performances, where he has failed to press effectively and lacks the physicality to play as a traditional striker. Instead, his strengths have been better showcased when paired with another forward.
The question arises: why choose Okafor instead of Camarda? Primarily because Okafor, previously used as a winger, has shown adaptability in the box, often stepping up in crucial moments. Last season, five of his seven goals came in the final minutes, proving his ability to deliver under pressure. Meanwhile, Camarda, despite being a natural striker, seems less physically prepared for the rigors of Serie A.
Nevertheless, Okafor has appeared sharper and quicker at the start of this season, making him a viable option for the role. He has demonstrated a knack for scoring in tight situations, suggesting that placing him in the spotlight could be a smart gamble. On the other hand, many Milan fans are starting to lose hope of signing a dedicated second striker to relieve Jovic after seeing recent market moves lean towards midfield signings.
As the Rossoneri weigh their options for Morata’s replacement against Parma, the choice remains: Jovic, Okafor, or Camarda? The supporters have made their preference clear—it’s time to place their faith in the Swiss forward.
