Milan-Lazio Preview: When It Matters Most

Every match is a final, they said. The last ten matches will determine our fate. And with that pressure, Milan started doing what they know best: choking. If that continues, then expect Milan to choke really, really hard in this match. Because with the points and positions on the table, this match really is important to our qualification for the Champions League next year. We can only hope that being so close to qualifying will make Milan step it up when it matters most.

We need to stand tall against all odds

The other Inzaghi has done quite well with Lazio, they sit in seventh place with 49 points, just three points behind Milan, with a game in hand. We met them in the Coppa Italia in February, when it was a scoreless draw. Our league match with them in December was a 1-1 draw. And their match on Sunday against Sassuolo ended in a draw. For that match, the other Inzaghi lined up Strakosha; Patric, Acerbi, Radu; Marusic, Parolo, Badelj, Alberto, Lulic; Immobile, and Caicedo. However, Badelj will be suspended for this match due to card accumulation. They will also be without Lukaku and Berisha to injury.

Gattuso has some injury concerns as well. While it was hoped that Gigio Donnarumma would return from injury for this match, it sounds now as if he won’t.  Conti is not likely to, either. Paqueta is definitely out, probably for another month at least. And of course, we are still without Bonaventura for the season. The biggest injury concern, however is mentality. Not only have the players struggled to play well for all 90 minutes and do what it takes to kill off a match, there is a whole new level of suspicion and mistrust of the referees that seems to be taking over the team. No matter what Gattuso has said, nor the explanations given by Rizzoli and the AIA on Monday in their regularly scheduled meeting, conspiracy theories continue to grow, which could be very damaging to our Champions League hopes.

We need to fly like the Eagles

This is the match to pull it all together and prove we are ready to get back into the Champions League. So much is resting on it, including the futures of some of our players. Do Milan have what it takes? Or will the other Inzaghi grab an all-important three points? Lately, I’d put my money on Lazio. However, I still believe in the Milan DNA and all that this team have fought for all season. Through injuries and controversy on and off the pitch, this squad have surprised everyone with their determination. On Saturday, they have the chance to prove themselves once again, when it matters most.

This post inspired by the music of Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy”

Serie A Week 32

Milan vs. Lazio

Saturday, April 13 • 20:30 CST (2:30pm EDT)

This match can be streamed LIVE on ESPN+ in the U.S.