I’m sure there are words I should be typing, but frankly,
it’s been over 3 years with Allegri at the helm, management have switched
sides, and it’s hard to have anything redeeming to look forward to tomorrow.
According to Allegri, every match they have played they have played well, even
if it has looked incredibly different to everyone else. So tomorrow we welcome
17th placed Sampdoria to the San Siro. A situation we would normally be
salivating about and placing odds on how many goals we could score against
them. Instead, our Curva Sud will likely be empty (as of this writing, anyway,)
and our hearts still bruised from recent results. With the other big teams
performing well, even if we pull of the win, it will seem like we are just
running to stand still.
 |
| Take away the Curva, and it is hardly a home advantage |
Sampdoria are a hot mess. Ever since Garrone undermined the
club by selling Cassano and Pazzini, they have struggled to even stay in Serie
A, having actually been relegated to Serie B in 2011. Despite having finished
14th last season, their season has started off poorly with 3 losses and 2
draws. That includes the 3-0 derby loss to Genoa, which was their worst defeat
ever in the Derby della Lanterna, and inspired their fans to write a letter
saying they were not worthy of their shirts, etc.
So after an incredible comeback on Sunday to draw with
Cagliari, they suffered yet another loss midweek to top of the table Roma.
Normally, they would probably be dreading the trip to the San Siro, but I’ll
bet if they’ve watched the tapes, they’ll be salivating and placing odds on how
many goals they’ll be scoring against us. A painful irony that is not lost on
Milan fans.
 |
| Two points in six games gets you.... a trip to the San Siro!! |
Delio Rossi managed to make it to round 6 without getting
sacked, so we should see him on the sidelines tomorrow. Against Roma, he
started Junior Costa; Andrea Costa, Palombo, Gastaldello; Krsticic, Obiang, De
Silvestri, Gavazzi; Gabbiadini, Wszolek, and Bjarnason. He should have mostly a
full strength squad, in fact Eder may even be back in time for the match, he’s
been out injured. And they don’t have to worry about a Champions League match
coming up on Tuesday, either, so they could definitely take advantage of Milan
while we’re down.
Milan have injuries, suspensions, and a manager who thinks they’ve
been playing well. Yet we only have 5 points from 5 matches. So clearly the
manager is delusional. Not that this is news. But it makes it very hard to get
your hopes up as a fan when you have no idea exactly how delusional he’ll be
this week. With Balotelli’s big 3 match ban, Allegri’s bromance boy Matri is
likely to start. Just more proof of how delusional/desperate Allegri is.
Robinho played well on Wednesday, so maybe he’ll start again.
 |
| Even Matri himself looks happier and more comfortable on the bench |
Then it’s a matter of which player Allegri views as a trequartista
tomorrow, most likely Birsa again. I expect Muntari to be back with a
vengeance, he’ll either score or get sent off, or maybe do both within 5
minutes. You never know with that one. But hopefully Poli and De Jong slip past
him and make it on the lineup sheet, that would be lovely.On defense, it will
really likely only be a question of Constant or Urby. The big goalscorer Abate
will likely be accompanied by the other 2 Stooges from Wednesday, with any or
all of them working all 90 minutes to concede goals. Abbiati will likely round
out the starting 11 and wear the armband, too.
Well if you are not pumped by the optimism oozing from this
post and the possible lineups, then I don’t even know how to help you. Milan
are spinning our wheels, not playing our game, and the results show. Despite
what Allegri may say, we don’t deserve more, in fact, with a couple of the
performances, we probably deserved less. But who knows? Maybe the Curva ban
will be overturned. Maybe Milan will play better, since they are at home. And
maybe we’ll actually win one this time. I’ll be watching, regardless of the
performance or the result. I can only hope this time, though we make some
progress.
This post inspired by the music of
Liam Lynch’s “United States of Whatever”
Milan vs. Sampdoria
Saturday, September 28 • 20:45 CEST (2:45 EDT)
This match is being broadcast LIVE on RAI in the U.S.
Check the comments for stream links prior to the match