Milan fans are pretty happy these
days until there is a loss. Then it is an end of the world scenario. But not
everyone wants to sack the coach after a poor 90 minutes. It’s important to
keep looking forward and having healthy discussions about where the club is
headed.
 |
| This man may be looking for the most luck |
I always know I
can count on Jovan, the co-founder of Milan Obsession to speak practically
even after a tough loss. Licking our wound after the Sampdoria match, we talked
about:
• News of the Week: Injury Tuesdays, Conti’s surgery,
Golden Boy, new partner, contract improvements and extensions, cleaning up at
Juve
• Matches: a quick recap of games
• VAR: pros and cons, grade so far
• #Montella Out: discussing this social media
movement
• Fassone: discussing his words and
transparency
• Coming up: upcoming Europa League and Serie A matches
Thanks again to Jovan for the great Milan conversation. Let’s wish him the best
in his travels this weekend. May he bring us all luck!
Europa League • AC Milan vs. HNK Rijeka: Test
With the shock loss to Sampdoria on Sunday and Montella firing his boyhood friend via social media, no one seems to have noticed a little Croatian side called HNK Rijeka that is lurking in our very near future. Fans assume we will simply win another Europa League match and move on to Sunday's league match with Roma. But it might not be that simple. Tonight's match will likely be quite the test.
Rijeka aren't coming to Milano for a vacation. They are the reigning Croatian league winners, having won their league for the first time this year. In fact, they did the double, also winning the Croatian Cup this past season. That put them in Champions League qualifying, where they only made it to the second round, but that is how they entered the Europa League. They are in decent form now, and could very well take advantage of the mentality issues and distractions at Milan right now.
Speaking of mentality issues and distractions, there is no shortage at Milan right now. Pretty early in the season to have so much drama, but that's what happens when you spend so much money. With Conti, Antonelli, and Montolivo out injured, Montella has also not called up Zapata or Biglia, apparently to rest them. Rumors are strong that Borini will get the start, so it's anyone's guess how this one will turn out. Would love for him to score a brace and prove his hater (me) wrong, but there is nothing in his history indicating that it is possible, so don't hold your breath. For the team, Montella, and fans worldwide, this match is likely to be a test.
With the shock loss to Sampdoria on Sunday and Montella firing his boyhood friend via social media, no one seems to have noticed a little Croatian side called HNK Rijeka that is lurking in our very near future. Fans assume we will simply win another Europa League match and move on to Sunday's league match with Roma. But it might not be that simple. Tonight's match will likely be quite the test.
Rijeka aren't coming to Milano for a vacation. They are the reigning Croatian league winners, having won their league for the first time this year. In fact, they did the double, also winning the Croatian Cup this past season. That put them in Champions League qualifying, where they only made it to the second round, but that is how they entered the Europa League. They are in decent form now, and could very well take advantage of the mentality issues and distractions at Milan right now.
Speaking of mentality issues and distractions, there is no shortage at Milan right now. Pretty early in the season to have so much drama, but that's what happens when you spend so much money. With Conti, Antonelli, and Montolivo out injured, Montella has also not called up Zapata or Biglia, apparently to rest them. Rumors are strong that Borini will get the start, so it's anyone's guess how this one will turn out. Would love for him to score a brace and prove his hater (me) wrong, but there is nothing in his history indicating that it is possible, so don't hold your breath. For the team, Montella, and fans worldwide, this match is likely to be a test.
Our next match is
the Europa League
AC Milan vs. HNK
Rijeka
Thursday, September 28
• 21:05 CEST (3:05pm EDT)
This match will be
shown LIVE on Fox Sports 2 on TV
and ESPN3, WatchESPN,
Fox Sports Go, Fubo TV on your devices in the U.S.