Milan have two chances for direct qualification into the
Europa League, and Sunday’s is the next to the last one. Rather ironic that our
last two games would be contested with the teams who are within a point or two
behind us on the table, and Atalanta are the team that are exactly one point
behind us going into this match. Which makes a result in this, the penultimate final,
a necessity.
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| Wounded |
The team that brought us Kessie and Conti could now stand in
the way of our direct qualification to the Europa League. Gasperini’s side have
done very well this season, and to play them in their house doesn’t make this
match any easier. Their match last week against Lazio was a tense one and ended
in a 1-1 draw. For that match, Gasperini lined up Berisha; Palomino, Masiello,
Toloi, Freuler, de Roon, Gosens, Castagne, Barrow, Gomez, and Cristante. As for
injuries, it looks like our old friend Petagna, as well as Spinazzola and Rizzo are all injured for this match.
Milan are starting this match down four goals… at least
mentally. Well, and physically, too. Whereas Atalanta are rested, Milan played
a very tough cup final on Wednesday. That defeat definitely injured souls, I
know it did mine. Probably no one’s more than Donnarumma. Despite making an
incredible eight saves against Juventus, pundits and social media only remember
he two errors, so he may be shaken up still for tomorrow’s game. Conti will not
face his former side due to his injury, and I will be curious as to whether or
not Biglia is called up again, as his injury warrants more time to heal.
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| Wait, we're playing Atalanta? |
We have struggled most against clubs at our level or lower
on the table, so don’t expect any kind of 4-0 rout from Milan. Both clubs are
fighting for direct Europa League Qualification so their seasons don’t begin in
July. Milan especially so, since they’re scheduled to participate in the
lucrative ICC tournament this summer in America. Finishing in seventh would
preclude that. So this isn’t just any game, it’s a must win situation. Which is
why it is our penultimate final.
This post inspired by the music of
Europe’s “The Final Countdown”
Serie A Week 37
Atalanta vs Milan
Sunday, May 13 •
18:00 CEST
This match will be
shown LIVE on RAI Italia in the U.S.