With Sassuolo in 17th place, hovering just above
the relegation zone, one would think that this would be an easy win for Milan,
even playing away. But nothing is easy at Milan right now, and our performances
have spiraled back downward rather than the brief improvement that we were
seeing. Add to that our weariness from traveling and playing on Thursday in
the Europa League, and this is not looking pretty. Not to mention that Sassuolo
are both Milan killers and also the abysmal coach killers. With so much stacked against
us, it’s impossible to see how a loss wouldn’t just be salt in the wound.
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| Well, at least we have one advantage |
This is not Di Francesco’s Sassuolo. But that doesn’t mean
they don’t want to take advantage of our weaknesses and earn themselves three
points. Their current record in Serie A is L-D-W-L-L, and they have only two
wins, two draws, and seven losses on the season. Normally, this would give me
hope, but nothing does about Milan these days. Sassuolo lost 3-1 to Napoli on
Sunday, and for that match, Bucchi lined up: Consigli; ex-Milan Acerbi,
Cannavaro, Peluso, Gazzola, Sensi, Cassata, Mazzitelli, Falcinelli, Ragusa and
Politano. This is a coach who kept Matri on the bench for this one, so he
clearly knows what he is doing, despite results. One positive thing for us is
the true Milan killer, Berardi, isn’t expected to return from his injury yet.
Bucchi will also be missing Letschert, Dell’Orco and likely Frattesi to injury.
Montella will be missing his tactical sensibilities. Also
Conti, Biglia, and Bonaventura. Calabria should in theory be fit again, but
head injuries are serious, so he may not play once again. However I am sure we
will have a three man backline. Because when something is not working, you can
count on Montella to stick with it. And I’m sure he’ll choose the wrong
trousers and socks again, to give Sassuolo an even bigger advantage.
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| Delusional and defiant, two of the best traits a coach can have |
Milan desperately need three points. Although three points
will give Montella more time at the club. So maybe we don’t want a win, I don’t
know. But if there is any 17th place team that is ready to take
three points from us, it’s Sassuolo. With home advantage and a mentality that
is probably still stronger than ours, chances are good that they will take
points from us. And with everything at Milan right now, that would just be salt
in the wound.
This post inspired by the music of Metallica
Serie A Week 12
Sassuolo vs. Milan
Sunday, November 5
• 20:45 CET (2:45pm EST)*
*Remember to turn
your clocks back 1 hour tonight in the U.S.
This match will be
shown LIVE on RAI in the U.S.