Torino-Milan Preview: The Lorenzo Derby

It is well known that Bonucci’s older son, Lorenzo, is a massive Torino fan. It created a lot of problems while his father played at Juventus, seeing as they are crosstown rivals. For example, Lorenzo was caught on camera just crying horribly as his father made him wear a Juve jersey for a Scudetto celebration, it was like child abuse or something. At least his father did the right thing afterwards and took him to a Torino game to meet Lorenzo’s idol, Belotti. I like to think their relationship has improved, even though when Torino came to Milan in November, Belotti was seen giving little Lorenzo his match jersey and a kiss as his father walked by. It seems like Lorenzo mainly supports his father now that he’s at Milan… except when we play Torino.

Right in front of his father...

The team of Lorenzo’s heart currently sit in 10 th place on the table, seven points behind the team of Lorenzo’s lineage. Before they drew 0-0 with Chievo, who ended on ten men, they notably beat Inter 1-0, for which they have my ultimate respect and gratitude for. Especially since those snakes literally caused a steward to have to have his spleen removed from that match. True story. But back to Torino, after three straight wins, Chievo held them to a draw. For that match, Mazzarri lined up Sirigu; Burdisso, Moretti, N’Koulou, Rincon, Baselli, Ansaldi, De Silvestri, Belotti, Ljajic, and Falque. He’s got a few players in doubt or having just returned to training from injury, including our old friend Niang. But he could potentially have a full squad and home advantage, too. Plus Lorenzo. You know he’ll be wearing a Torino jersey.

No, that is not his father's Panini card, Lorenzo worships "the Rooster"

Gattuso is still missing Conti and Romagnoli, but Lorenzo’s dad will be returning after serving a one match suspension. For that match, Lorenzo sat faithfully by his father’s side, watching Milan play Napoli. Maybe it’s best that Dad will be on the pitch so he can’t hear Lorenzo’s cheering for the opposing team. It must be hard for the kid, though, on some level. Kids always want their parents’ love and acceptance. And fathers always want to be their kids' idol. But loving a football team does do strange things to people, even children.

Gotta be tough to fight for your son's heart

Milan have no choice but to go for all three points against a Torino side that has been inconsistent, but more good than not of late. And we have to kill those Bulls in their house, too, which is never easy. Within that house, there will likely be one tiny fan who is probably going to be wearing a Torino jersey, but his heart will still be partially his father’s, who will be captaining the red and black. In a way, it’s a win-win for him, because part of his heart wins if either side does. So here’s to hoping that the part of his heart that belongs to his father is the winner of the Lorenzo Derby.

This post inspired by the music of Patrick Stump’s “Who’s the (Bat)Man”

Serie A Week 34

Torino vs. Milan

Wednesday, April 18 • 20:45 CEST (2:45pm EDT)

This match will be NOT be shown LIVE on TV in the US

(stream online on BeIN Sports Connect, Fubo TV, or iGol)