Usually
it’s all about the football. But this week, Udinese’s owner said something that
distracted from the football. He said he liked VAR because it took away the
referee favors he believed Juve have been receiving. Which is a very
uninformed, small-minded, but all too common misconception that is contradicted
by actual facts. His words highlighted the zebra in the room and distracted
from the fact that Udinese have to travel to the San Siro on Sunday to face a
team who actually statistically has had advantages from time to time from
referees. Plus face actual VAR, which so far doesn’t favor anyone. But that is
what happens when you are seeing in black and white.
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| Someone had a bad week |
Udinese
defeated Genoa 1-0 last week in a match that saw both sides end on 10 men. For
that match, Del Neri lined up Scuffet; Nuytinck, Danilo, Samir, Stryger Larsen,
Barak, Behrami, Jankto, De Paul, Lasagna, and Maxi Lopez. Del Neri will be
missing Pezzella to suspension and Widmer and Perica to injury. He gave a very
interesting reason for one player who is in question though: “Nuytinck was out
until Tuesday, stuck at home, on the toilet.” No VAR needed on that.
Milan
have had a roller coaster of emotions this week. After a heavy loss to Lazio on
Sunday, we defeated Austria Wien 5-1 away in the Europa League. However that
celebrating was cut short by the tragic announcement that Conti had ruptured
his ACL and underwent surgery today. He will be out six months. This is a heavy
blow to the team as he is such a talented young player. On the flip side, he is
apparently the only player injured, so at least Montella will have almost a
full squad.
 |
| Invincible |
After
such an emotional week, it’s difficult to know where Milan will be
psychologically. I would hope that Conti’s serious injury will motivate them to
win for him. But Udinese will be under the controversial words of their
President, Pozzo. And both teams will be subject to VAR, and as we have seen,
it is not partial. But if it takes away the long held beliefs of ref
partiality, then I guess it’s good to see things in black and white.
This post inspired
by the music of Pearl Jam’s “Black”
Serie A Round 4
AC Milan vs. Udinese
September 17 • 15:00
CEST (9am DT)
This match will be
shown LIVE on BeIN Sports in the U.S.
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