We’ve seen the friendlies, we have some idea how our new
coach wants the team to play. But this one is different. This one is the first
step in our season’s journey, which ideally will ultimately end in Champions League
qualification. This one matters. New players and playing style aside, Milan
need to win this one. Away. No matter what. It’s all about first impressions.
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| Piatek will be chasing a goalless streak that the media are starting to blow out of proportion |
Udinese come into this match as the underdogs here. Having finished
last season in 12th place, they didn’t do enough in the mercato to give
them a chance to finish much higher. But they are playing at home, and they are
playing a Milan side that is still finding their form with a new coach.
In addition to the typical club friendlies, Udinese also
played in the Coppa Italia third round on Sunday. They defeated Serie C side FC
Südtirol 3-1 in that match. Tudor lined up Musso, Troost-Ekong, Stryger Larsen,
Samir, Opoku, Jajalo, De Paul, Fofana, Mondragora, Pussetto, and Lasagna. In
addition to playing at the Stadio Friuli, they have the advantage of an
apparently full squad, no injuries.
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| Kevin particularly delights in serving Lasagna to both Milan based clubs |
Giampaolo’s debut with the summer friendlies was generally
well received, despite only winning in Kosovo to KF Feronikeli. It became clear
that the playing style was already much improved, and there was even more to
look forward to. However fans were disheartened by the poor
performance against Serie C side Cesena that saw them play to a nil-nil
draw last week.
Reports say that Bennacer and Kessie are not yet prepared to
start this week, having just come back from their vacations following the
Africa Cup of Nations tournament. Caldara is still out injured, as is Theo
Hernandez. Biglia pulled up in training and will likely not feature, leaving
speculation that Calhanoglu will replace him as regista for this match, having
looked good at that spot last week during Cesena. Finally, Strinic and Milan
have mutually rescinded his contract, so he is no longer a Milan player.
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| Hoping there isn't anything for him to scream about |
Along with the headaches Giampaolo already has in the
missing pieces, there is still the distraction of the mercato, with just over a
week left for players to come in or out. Undoubtedly, he will be focused on the
players at his disposal, but will the players at his disposal be focused for
him? Can they do more than just improve playing style, especially while playing
away? This match may not feel like a big one. After all, every match is only
worth three points. However, this one sets the tone for the season. And you
never get a second chance to make a first impression.
This post inspired by the music of X
Ambassadors’ “Boom”
Serie a Week 1
Udinese vs. Milan
August 25 • 18:00
CEST (12noon EDT)
This match will be
shown on ESPN+ in the U.S.