In “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” one of the BEST MOVIES EVER, Jack Skellington
tries to explain the new phenomenon of Christmas to the people of
Halloweentown. But as hard as he tries, he just can’t describe it… “like the
most improbable dream.” My Sunday was much the same way. From the nuclear Karma
bomb that hit Icardi and Inter, to Milan’s young starting lineup to the
surprise win away to Chievo, to the table positions at the end of the day, I
felt like I was living the most improbable dream.
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| One of my favorite things in football, the team running to greet the fans after a win |
Let’s start at the scrumptiously delicious news of Icardi
finally getting a tiny bit of what his soulless weasel face deserves. After
writing lies and threats against his own Curva Nord in his book, he found himself
posting an apology to social media before taking the pitch at the San Siro. But
in between that, the well-respected former captain and now vice president,
Javier Zanetti, said Icardi’s threats of Argentine Assasins and other words and
lies in his book were unacceptable, the fans were too important, and that his
armband would likely be revoked. It got worse for Inter’s now least favorite
scumbag, as the Curva Nord displayed very angry & insulting banners against
him and his stolen wife and generally abused him. Then he missed a penalty, his
third miss in four attempts this season. Then he saw his team lose at home to
Cagliari. And at the end of the day they were 11th on the table. The
backstabbing cretin’s day was not complete, though, as approximately 40 Ultras
came to his house and left a large threatening banner for him, as well as other
sordid mischief while they were there. You know that thing they say about
Karma? Well he’s finally getting a miniscule portion of it. And I have no shame
in admitting that watching someone of his massive character black hole get a
little taste of his own medicine makes me so very, very, very happy. Like the
most improbable dream.
But enough of my exquisite schadenfreude, Milan played a
game. Away. To a team just ahead of us on the table. With a starting lineup
with the average age of 23.9 years old:
Donnarumma 17
Abate 29
Paletta 30
Romagnoli 21
De Sciglio 23
Kucka 29
Locatelli 18
Bonaventura 27
Suso 22
Lapadula 26
Niang 21
It was absolutely incredible, especially to see Locatelli
get the start. What a bizarre phenomenon to have a midfield that was not
stationary. Or to not lose the ball upon every touch. Or to not go whining to
the ref when things didn’t go our way. They didn’t play the best, but it was
definitely improvement. And even better knowing that there is so much more
potential for growth there. It was simply amazing to have so many young and
promising players. Like the most improbable dream
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| The goal and the celebration defying probability |
I cannot say whether Milan are more lucky, or if the players
are just committing some winning form of mutiny, but I still don’t see the
style of play Montella described in motion. Not even with our 56% possession.
But I don’t really care. As long as the results come, the players can do the
Haka dance midgame for all I care.
The goals were most entertaining. Kuco scored one screamer
from outside of the box in the 45th, then did a front flip celebration before
hugging his teammates. 1-0. One of the most improbable people to open the
scoring. Then not a minute into the second half, Niang scored to make it 2-0
Milan. It was like he was making up for Kuco forgetting that this win would be
dedicated to Montolivo, he scored so quickly. So Niang ran over to the bench,
grabbed the Montolivo jersey and held it up, even kissing it, as all of the
players paid homage to their injured captain, too. Who knew that getting
Montolivo out of the starting lineup would also be what gave the team purpose
and solidarity? Like the most improbable dream.
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| Voted by many to be the MOTM, the 21 year-old is cementing his place in the starting lineup |
The most spectacular goal was actually scored by an ex-Milan
player, Birsa, aka the Slovenian Messi. In a perfect free kick in the 76th, he
sent the ball curling precisely over the wall and out of reach of the
phenomenal Donnarumma. 2-1 Milan. The final goal in stoppage time looked to be
scored by Bacca, who was determined to score no matter which body parts of his
opponent tried to get in the way. But in the end, his opponent’s body part was
determined to have deflected the ball into the net, so Dainelli got the own
goal. Too bad. But still 3-1 for Milan.
As I mentioned, I am not convinced of the playing style of
this Milan. But miraculously, the injury of Montolivo has brought some
solidarity, and given new life to the midfield, too, with a player 13 years
younger and probably more talented. What are the odds? But then again, what
were the odds that Icardi’s conceited, despicable, and moral-free world would
implode so spectacularly all in one day? Or that Milan would rise to the
occasion and beat Maran’s impressive Chievo? Or that Montella would field so
many youngsters? (even if, as David
mentioned on the podcast, that was fueled largely by injuries.) But certainly
I never in my wildest dreams would have guessed that at this point in the
season, this Milan would be poised in third place on the table (technically
joint second, I know.) If the season ended today, Milan would be in the
Champions League playoff spot. And while there is a long way to go, and Fassone
and Mirabelli already seem hell-bent on screwing up the project before the deal
is even done, today was just a perfect day for Milan fans. Like the most
improbable dream.
This post inspired by the music of
Danny Elfman’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” soundtrack
Our next match is
Milan vs. Juventus
Saturday, October 22nd • 20:45 CEST (2:45pm EDT)