Genoa-Milan Preview: Zapata’s Big Game

He was a fixture at Milan for seven years. He lasted from Allegri’s downfall years all the way through Gattuso, and then we let his contract run out. He was actually a great defender, scored some memorable goals for Milan. But he always had that propensity to lose focus at the worst of times, and I think many Milan fans remember him for the goals he scored for the opposing teams, or the ones he allowed at least. So tomorrow, he will either score for us or for Genoa, it’s got to be one or the other. This match is Zapata’a big game.

An own goal... please?

Genoa sit a point behind us in 18th place on the table. They have only won one of their games, but drawn two and lost three. It is difficult to tell which coach is most likely to be fired first, Giampaolo or Andreazzoli. Genoa were destroyed by Lazio on Sunday, 4-0. So Andreazzoli has probably been updating his CV in addition to trying to restore some kind of morale this week. For that fateful match, he lined up Radu; El Yamiq, Romero, Criscito; Radovanovic; Ghiglione, Cassata, Lerager, Barreca; Kouame, and Sanabria. He is missing Sturaro to injury, and Barreca has a calf muscle issue that will require a last minute fitness test to see if he is available.

Giampaolo would probably be better off if he put himself on the injury list. He is still missing Caldara, and of course, Musacchio is suspended this match after cleating Ribery’s shin on Sunday. Duarte will have to fill in for Musacchio, who was man of the match two matches ago. That could make our defense a little shaky, but it’s perfect, since we will be facing Zapata’s side. (fun fact: Zapata and Musacchio were a slightly legendary center back pairing together at Villareal.)

Giampaolo's secret weapon... for Genoa

Also missing is every ounce of Milan’s morale, we saw it leave the players on Sunday when Fiorentina scored their winner. With all of the talk about Giampaolo and the uncertainty of his job, I would expect him to make even more bizarre decisions when it comes to the formation, lineups, and specifically the use of new players. There has been a lot of talk about some reactionary moves based on individual performances, but a coach with actual wisdom would likely use a similar lineup as much as possible. Not Giampaolo, though. So don’t eat dinner before the game, because his lineups will likely surprise enough to cause you to toss your cookies.

The regret look, as modeled by Giampaolo

Maybe we will luck out and Andreazzoli won’t even play Zapata. But then again, that takes away our chances of scoring an own goal to help us out. You know, since we can’t seem to score goals on our own. He did score one a couple of weeks ago, so we can hope! So we should really hope Genoa line him up. And then hope that he still loves us and will score for us rather than against us. It’s Zapata’s big game.

This post inspired by the music of Elle King’s “Ex’s and Oh’s”

Serie A Week 7

Genoa vs. Milan

Saturday, October 5 • 20:45 CEST (2:45pm EDT)

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