Milan had three wins in a row, then a draw in the Coppa and
another in the league. This match represents the perfect test for them ahead of
a tough European meeting with Ludogorets. SPAL are still sputtering in the
relegation zone, but have shown signs of life, such as when our former Paloschi
scored a late equalizer to steal points from Inter a couple of weeks ago. Milan
have been playing better, but not always getting the goals and results they
want, so especially at this point in the season, SPAL are the perfect test
subjects.
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| I could get used to this scene |
SPAL have drawn two in a row, then lost 2-0 away to Cagliari
on the weekend. For that match, Semplici lined up the recently-returned-to-fitness
young Alex Meret in goal; Vicari, Felipe, Cionek, Kurtic, Grassi, Viviani,
Mattiello, Lazzari, Antenucci, and Floccari. Paloschi was a sub in that match,
but could easily start against his former team. Vicari will be suspended for
this match, and Momodou will still be missing due to a broken foot. Borriello
has been struggling with an injury and may or may not be fit to face one of his
myriad former clubs. Despite a
2-0 win over them back in September, we can’t expect them to just roll
over for us.
Gattuso will be missing Calabria to suspension after his
sending off against Udinese on Sunday. Conti is starting to do warmups with the
team, but there is still no date set for his return. Storari is still old and
his old man injury will keep him from watching a keeper young enough to be his
son save the day again. The good news is that Ricardo Rodriguez has recovered
from his stomach bug and is back training with the team, so will be available
once again.
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| Thank you for scoring against Inter, but please show us some mercy |
SPAL represent a challenge, perhaps a bigger challenge than
their position on the table presents. But Milan need to take their game to the
next level, not only defending or pulling off a draw, but scoring and actually
winning. Is Gattuso’s grinta and the team spirit he’s been able to
foster enough to take the team to that next level? Or will Milan disappoint
again? Many of us look to our next European encounter with another competition
in mind. Ludogorets are reportedly a tough team to beat. So convincingly
beating SPAL would be the perfect way to head into that match and give us hope
for the future. Sorry, SPAL, but if Milan can fire on all cylinders, you’ll be
nothing more than our test subjects.
This post inspired by the music of Savages’
“The Answer”
Serie A Week 24
SPAL vs. Milan
Saturday, February
10 • 15:00 CET (9am EST)
This match will be
shown LIVE on BeIN Sports in the U.S.