Milan-Chievo Preview: Can Donkeys Actually Fly?

Only three teams have more losses in the league this season than Chievo. With 17 losses, they are in serious relegation danger. But with two wins in their last five, it’s clear these flying donkeys still have fight. So despite playing at the San Siro to a Milan team who also just tasted victory, on Saturday night we might get the answer to the question on everyone’s mind: Can donkeys actually fly?

Looking for a win this time

Ironically, after our goalless draw in November, Sannino was sacked and Chievo brought back Corini, who had managed Chievo during the previous season. Since he came back, Chievo have won six times and drawn three times in 18 games. Considering Sannino had only a win and three draws in the prior 12 matches, Corini is considered successful.

And Chievo were successful on Sunday, too, against fellow relegation enthusiasts Bologna. For that match, Corini lined up Agazzi; Dainelli, Cesar, Frey, Rubin; Radovanovic, Guarente, Rigoni, Hetemaj; Obinna, and Paloschi. That’s right, our little Paloschi, who is co-owned by the two clubs and scored a brace in that one to increase his tally to ten for the season. He also scored against us in November, but the goal was called off, so let’s hope that was as close as he gets to hurting us. Corini looks to have almost a completely healthy squad, except for midfielder Guana, who is out injured.

Will his double-digit goals be double trouble for us?

Milan also had a different manager when last we met, and were with Matri and without Balotelli, so let’s hope that Chievo don’t recognize this squad. Milan had also come off a demoralizing ritiro and 3-1 Champions League loss to Barca last time we met, and the first leg in Verona also saw our classy captain sent off. Whereas this time Milan are coming off of a draw, a relaxing ritiro of sorts in Roma, and a very morale-boosting win away to Fiorentina midweek, so let’s hope that winning mentality brings us another victory.

In addition to the injuries of El Shaarawy, Petagna, Montolivo, De Sciglio, and Abate, Seedorf will be missing both Mexes and Constant to yellow card accumulation. Which kind of leaves the fullback options to Bonera, Zaccardo, and Urby. So let’s not think about that, I’d like to be able to sleep tonight. Also, on the flip side, Poli returns from suspension, so let’s hope Seedorf lines him up.

Welcome to Milan you're in Seedorf's house now

Other than that, it remains to be seen how much squad rotation Seedorf does this time around. I think there is a new chant little Milan fans have when jumping rope that goes a little something like this: “Chocolate candy, chocolate cake. How many changes will Seedorf make?” I don’t think he’s made fewer than 5-6 so far, and with 2 defenders sitting this one out, he’s already been forced to make two. So let’s see what he does this time.

If Milan can keep up the mentality and improving style of play, there is no reason at all why they shouldn’t win this one, especially playing at home. But there are no guarantees in life or football, and Chievo only sit four places below us on the table. So tomorrow we’ll find out whether or not donkeys can actually fly.

This post inspired by the music of the Foo Fighters

Milan vs. Chievo

Saturday, March 29 • 20:45 CEST (3:45pm EDT)

This match will be shown LIVE on RAI in the US

Check comments for stream links ahead of the match