If it seems like just the other day you were reading a Milan
vs. Napoli preview, you are not losing your mind, you were. Because we just
played Napoli on Saturday, but in the league. While that one included an
impressive display from Milan which resulted in a draw,
taking points from Napoli, this one is a win or go home match. So ready
or not, here comes Part B.
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| They share a common homeland, but on the pitch, they are mortal enemies |
As we saw on Saturday, Ancelotti’s team went home with only
a point. For their match with us, Carletto lined up Ospina; Malcuit, Albiol,
Koulibaly, Mario Rui; Callejon, Fabian Ruiz, Zielinski, Insigne; Mertens, and
Milik. Although both Ancelotti and Fabian were sent off in this match, their
assumed suspensions should apply to their next league game, not this one, since
the Coppa Italia is a separate competition. (I know it’s confusing, because the
Supercoppa is tied to the league, despite featuring the winner of each
competition. It’s Italy.) In addition to the players he was missing on
Saturday, Chiriches, Rog, and Allan, there is a question of Ospina’s fitness
after he took a knock in our match. But I suppose Meret would play anyway,
since it’s the Coppa Italia.
There is talk of Biglia returning this weekend, but not in
time for this match. Bonaventura and Caldara are obviously still out, and
Zapata and Reina are also recent additions to the injury list. Which begs the
question, who will play in goal? Typically it would be the second keeper,
Reina, but will Gattuso give minutes to The Other Donnarumma in such a big
game? Or will he field Plizzari? My guess would be that it will still be Gigio,
but Gattuso is not beyond surprises. Like using all three subs before 90
minutes, for example.
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| Carletto will not be happy letting his former player and team kick them out of the Coppa Italia |
The question everyone wants to know the answer to is which
of our young guns will Gattuso feature up front? Or will he field two? I know the obvious answer
would be Borini, but consider that Cutrone has been a beast, even if he hasn’t
had much time to score. And although Piatek just joined us last week, his 20
minute run out was very impressive on Saturday, and he is already acclimated to
Italian football, too. Probably the second most asked question would be whether this
is the game that Paqueta breaks his duck. I think we are all hoping the answer
is yes, it will be.
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| Ready to get on the scoreboard? |
However, Napoli are a formidable foe, and Ancelotti knows
how to win tournaments and trophies. If you asked a neutral fan who will be
going to the semifinals after this match, most would probably say Napoli, even
if it may take more than 90 minutes to determine that. Certainly Milan were
happy with the draw on Saturday, whereas Napoli would have been disappointed to
not bring home all three points. Which is why the revenge of Carletto has me
fearful of this result. But whether we are ready to face a great team again in
hopes of getting the upset, the fixture is here. Brace yourselves for Part B.
This post inspired by the music of
Queen
Coppa Italia Quarterfinal
Milan vs. Napoli
Tuesday, January
29 • 20:45 CET (2:45pm EST)
This match can be
streamed LIVE on ESPN+ in the U.S.