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.
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| 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.
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| 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.