Milan fans have become almost obsessed with returning to the
Champions League. Although to be fair, their obsession is nothing on comparison
to Juventus’ obsession with trying to win the Champions League. That obsession truly
is more like the one ring, it has consumed and nearly destroyed them. No, Milan’s
obsession with returning is a lot more like Frodo Baggins wanting to return
home to the Shire after carrying the ring and seeing too much. We are a team
that has traveled too far from home and are now ready to go back home. Only we
have not escaped Mordor just yet. Not only does at least one more team need to
drop points, but we face a worthy opponent in the eleventh place SPAL. As we
discussed on the latest podcast, Milan have no choice but to win. This is one match
to rule them all (or at least hopefully qualify for Champions League next
season.)
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| Our exes have become Orcs |
SPAL lost their match last week to Udinese, 3-2, despite
dominating possession and taking more shots. Although to be fair, they did come
back from a 3-0 deficit, which makes them even more dangerous. For that match,
Semplici lined up Gomis: Cionek, Vicari, Bonifazi; Lazzri, Murgia Valoti,
Kurtic, Fares; former Milan young striker Petagna, and Floccari. He also subbed
on another former Milan young player, Paloschi. I am sure they would both love
to score on Milan and wouldn’t think twice about sinking our Champions League
hopes, either. Missiroli and Felipe are
uncertain for this match due to injury, but other than that, Semplici should
have a full squad at his disposal.
Gattuso is still without the suspended young Paqueta, as
well as the injured Bonaventura, Caldara, and Calabria. It is unlikely that
Strinic will be available to make his debut for Milan, having been out all
season due to first a heart problem, then injuries. On the flip side, Suso,
Calhanoglu, and Piatek have all scored recently after not having scored for a
while, so there definitely seems to be a slight resurgence in mentality. Which
is great timing, considering this is a do or die (or at least lose the
possibility of €50,000 plus in revenue) scenario.
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| Scoring options |
None of this will matter should Inter and Atalanta both win
their matches. Well, it may still mean a Europa League spot, but with the table
so tight, even that is not guaranteed when the final whistle blows in all of
the matches on Sunday evening. The only thing Milan can control now is winning
our match. And SPAL would love to take that from us, I’m sure. However, this is
the closest Milan have gotten to returning home to the Champions League again
since the last time we qualified. So if we have the faith of Hobbits, the wisdom
of the Elves, and a little magic from the Wizards, then perhaps we can at least
win this match. The one match to rule them all.
This post inspired by the writings of
J.R.R. Tolkien
Serie A Week 38
SPAL vs. Milan
Sunday, May 26 •
20:30 CEST (2:30pm EDT)
This match can be
streamed LIVE on ESPN+ in the U.S.