A game is truly only worth three points, but some games feel
like they are worth six. Although they actually only separate the two teams by
three points, a win gives that team three points and also denies the other team
three points. Again, mathematically, it’s only three points. But schematically,
when a team is only one point behind you and breathing down your neck for a
Champions League spot, a victory feels like double. And away to Atalanta,
victory truly would be a special kind of win, whereas a loss would feel twice
as bad. That’s why tomorrow’s match is a showdown.
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| There's a new sheriff in town |
Atalanta have been increasingly consistent and successful in
recent years despite being a “smaller” team. Oh, and they’ve produced some
massive talents, too. They used to produce “talent” like Montolivo. But more
recently, they’ve produced players such as our own Caldara, Kessie and Conti,
players you’d actually like to have in your squad. Then there is Gasperini, a
wise tactician who has done his time circulating a manager of some of the lower
Serie A sides, including a very short stint at the lowest side, Inter,
following Leonardo’s exit. However, he has been amazing at Atalanta, producing
impressive results and great football.
Atalanta currently sit in a three-way tie for fifth, a mere
point behind Milan but with a much better goal differential. They have won their last three matches, including the Coppa
Italia match that took out Juventus. For that alone, they are formidable, as no
one else has scored three unanswered goals against Juventus for a very long
time. Their most recent victory was over the mighty SPAL, a 2-1 win on Sunday.
Our former young talent Petagna actually opened the scoring for SPAL in that
match, only to be defeated by goals by veteran Ilicic and the Other Zapata. For
that match, Gasperini lined up Berisha; Toloi, Palomino, Mancini; Hateboer, De
Roon, Freuler, Castagne; Gomez, Ilicic, and the Other Zapata. Our former summer
romance, Pasalic was also subbed on in that game. It appears that Gasperini has
pretty much a full squad to choose from for this home match, too.
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| The Other Zapata, Gomez, and De Roon - none of those names you want to see on the scoresheet |
Gattuso has the fortune of having nearly everyone back from
injury. Biglia is in the squad again for this one. Caldara was back in full
training this week, but likely won’t be called up until the Sassuolo match next
month. Bonaventura is obviously still out for the season, and our defender Zapata and
Reina are both sidelined short-term with injuries right now. Abate had a virus, but
was still called up to travel with the team. It is going to take a perfect game
to overcome Atalanta, though, who have been using their system longer and have
played very consistently beyond their means under Gasperini.
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| A homecoming on the wrong side of the stadium |
I have so very much respect for Atalanta, and for what
Gasperini has done with this team. In fact, he is the coach many Milan fans
would like to upgrade to if Gattuso should leave. This game should be an
amazing showdown between two teams who are fighting to finish in the top four.
One is a team with fewer resources that has been quietly working and making an
impression in the top flight for a while now. The other is a team of past glory
with three different owners in the last two years and so many pitfalls, but
with more resources, and they are finally poised to get back to where they
belong. As if that wasn’t enough, having ex-players coming back home just adds
to the drama. Win, draw, or lose, this match is one you don’t want to miss.
This post inspired by the music of
Ella Fitzgerald
Serie A Week 24
Atalanta vs. Milan
Saturday, February
16 • 20:30 CET (2:30pm EST)
This match will be
shown LIVE on RAI Italia USA in the U.S.
This match can
also be streamed LIVE on ESPN+ in the U.S.