Some argue that Lecce being in the relegation zone were not much of a test for Milan on Monday. But in contrast, Roma is like Veritaserum from Harry Potter. With Roma sitting nine whole points ahead of us in a Europa League spot, this match has the capability of showing the true Milan.
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| Moment of truth |
Roma relied on a late brace from Dzeko to overcome an early goal from Sampdoria on Wednesday in their 2-1 win. That is the same score they won by when we traveled to the Olimpico in October. For Wednesday’s match, Fonseca lined up Mirante; Bruno Peres, Smalling, Ibañez, Kolorov; Diawara, Veretout; Perez, Pastore, Mikhitaryan; and Dzeko. Fonseca will still be without Zaniolo due to his long-term injury. Goalkeeper Pau Lopez is recovering from injury, and it is possible he could recover by Sunday.
Milan are healing. Musacchio is out for four months, but Ibrahimovic is mending quickly. If he doesn’t make the bench for Roma, it is hoped he will be available for SPAL. Kjaer was initially reported to miss the clash vs. Roma, but he is also mending well and could possibly make the bench, too. Duarte started training with the team yesterday, and should be available for Pioli on Sunday, but is unlikely to start.
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| He will test us |
After Gabbia’s shaky performance on Monday, there is talk of possibly playing Calabria at center back. However, depending on Gabbia’s mental state since then, it might be best to put him in again, that’s the best way to learn. Certainly, Pioli doesn’t have too many excuses heading into this match.
Nor does he need them, Milan will be more rested than Roma as well. Mentally, this Milan team are tougher than any other Milan team in a while now. They are producing goals, and his 4-2-3-1 formation has been perfect for the players at his disposal. Playing at the San Siro may give us a slight boost, but this match provides the perfect test after two strong performances, to see if he can get Milan to qualify for Europe.
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| Soon. |
Roma desperately want Europe as well, and despite not impressing as much on their initial match back from the break, they did get the result. We know not to fear Kalinic, but an in-form Dzeko is not to be taken lightly, and given that our one big deficit is at the center of our defense, this match will very much be a truth serum for us.
This post inspired by the music of New Order’s “True Faith”
Serie A Week 28
Milan vs. Roma
Sunday, June 28 • 17:15 CEST (11:15am EDT)
This match can be streamed LIVE on ESPN+ in the U.S.