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?
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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