Brescia-Milan Preview: Proving a Point

After winning a third match in a row on Sunday, Milan’s second league match in a row, emotions are much higher amongst fans these days. Friday’s match sees us take on the relegation-zone Brescia. This one is an away match, but with the confidence the team has, plus the wisdom of Pioli and the awesomeness of Ibra, fans can finally reasonably expect three points from this match. Nothing is ever certain, of course. But winning this one would definitely be proving a point.

How it feels to be Milan lately

The days of crazy owners being successful in Italy seem to be gone, as Cellino seems to be proving once again. Despite reinforcing quite well over the summer for a newly promoted side, he finds his team in 19th place on the table midseason. Corini is on his second spell as Brescia manager, after Cellino gave him a month off and then thought better of it.

Brescia nearly beat Cagliari last weekend, but conceded an equalizer and the match finished 2-2. For that match, Corini lined up: Joronen; Sabelli, Cistana, Chancellor, Mangraviti; Romulo, Tonali, Ndoj; Spalek; Torregrossa, and Alfredo Donnarumma. That match was a cardfest, with nine cards being handed out, including two to our old friend Balotelli, who will miss this match as the first of a two match suspension. Corini may start their newest signing, Icelandic midfielder Bjarnason, who subbed on against Cagliari.

No amount of talent can save Cellino's train wreck

Pioli is still without Biglia and Duarte to long-term injury. Calabria is likely to still miss this one, but Calhanoglu and Musacchio returned to training on Wednesday so could be available. Most importantly, the mentality is back and growing, which is more impactful than his preferred new 4-4-2 formation or any one player. Well, except Ibrahimovic, of course. He is more than just the Mary Poppins of Football™, and his impact is bigger than even his 6’5” (1.96m) frame. Just check the ticket sales since his return.

Make it so.

Milan managed to win this one at the San Siro in August, despite being under Giampaolo’s spell. Which raises the expectations even higher for this Friday night’s game. There are absolutely no guarantees in football, and every match must be played out in 90 minutes plus VAR review time. But Milan fans will be more than disappointed if we don’t come back with all three points for this one. And as for the team, their goal will be proving a point.

This post inspired by the music of The Cranberries’ “All Over Now”

Serie A Week 21

Brescia vs. Milan

Friday, January 24 • 20:45 CET (2:45 EST)

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