Milan are undefeated in all competitions in their last six
games. While there were draws with Napoli and Roma in there, that’s still four
solid wins, something we’re not accustomed to doing consistently in recent
years. With the race for fourth place getting extremely tight, it is more
important than ever to keep the victories coming. So although we
drew Empoli earlier this season, on Friday, there is no turning back.
 |
| Piatek? Cutrone? or both? |
Empoli enjoyed a convincing 3-0 home win over Sassuolo on Sunday.
For that match, Iachini lined up Dragowski; Veseli, Silvestre, Dell’Orco; Di
Lorenzo, Acquah, Bennacer, Krunic, Pasqual; Farias, and Caputo. Sadly, former Milan player Antonelli will miss
this one to a thigh injury, while Polvani is out long term due to injury. If
you are the betting type, put your money on Iachini wearing a suit and a
baseball hat, it’s a sure thing.
Gattuso will be missing Suso to suspension due to yellow
card accumulation. Caldara and Strinic are both in training and expected to be
available soon after their long term injuries, but not for this match. Reina
and Zapata are both nearly recovered from their recent injuries, but still in
doubt for Friday. Bonaventura will be there in spirit, as always, but is still
out for the season physically.
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| No own goals this time, please |
One of the biggest factors in this match is Milan’s Coppa
Italia match with Lazio coming up on Tuesday. Gattuso may decide to make some
changes to his starting 11 if he prioritizes the Coppa Italia match over this
one. However, he is not prone to making changes, and the league should still be
a priority at this point, given the opportunity we have to make Champions
League based on this season.
Given our position on the table and the desire and hunger
the club has to achieve at least fourth spot, I expect this match to be taken
very seriously by Milan. Given Empoli’s big win last week and their desire to
stay clear of the relegation zone, this match will mean everything to them, as
well. But Milan have two shiny new players and more momentum, so for them,
there is definitely no turning back.
This post inspired by the music of Cigarettes
After Sex
Serie A Week 25
Milan vs. Empoli
Friday, February 22 •
20:30 CET (2:30pm EST)
This match can be
streamed LIVE on ESPN+ in the U.S.