Sassuolo-Milan Preview: For Squinzi

Giorgio Squinzi was an Italian chemist and businessman who sadly passed away in October. He was also the owner of Sassuolo, and put their club on the map, bringing them from Serie C2 to Serie A, and even to Europa League qualifications in 2016. One of the few clubs that own their own stadium in Italy, they are still plenty relevant, and this year are challenging Milan for a European spot. That makes this game very important to both clubs. Which is why Milan need to win this one, because Squinzi was a lifelong Milan fan, and we owe it to him. For Squinzi.

In the afterlife, he only roots for Milan

Sassuolo gave up a second half goal to 10-man Cagliari on Saturday to settle for a 1-1 draw. For that match, De Zerbi lined up Pegolo; Mulder, Marlon, Ferrari, Rogerio; Djuricic, our long-lost love Locatelli, Traore; Haraslin, Caputo, and Boga. De Zerbi gets a huge boost in that he will have Berardi, Bourabia, and Magnanelli back from suspension. Berardi in particular is known for scoring against Milan. Sassuolo will still be missing Defrel, Obiang, and Romagna to injury, with Toljan in doubt as of this writing.

Scoring against Milan since the beginning of time

Pioli still has Musacchio out, but at least Castillejo should be coming back for our match on Friday, though he still won’t be available for this one. There are five players available for this match who are one yellow card away from suspension, which would obviously impact the Atalanta match. They are Kjær, Romagnoli, Theo Hernandez, Bennacer, and Rebic. Every point matters at this point, but the primary focus will be on this match.

This one is a massive game for the Europa League qualifying spot. If Milan win, then we secure seventh place or better and also that precious qualifying spot. However, a draw or loss still leaves room for error, and with so much on the line at the club this year, we can’t afford to leave any room for error.

Find someone who looks at you like Kessie

With the incredible mentality and amazing form this team are in, it is a lot easier to be optimistic about this game. But Sassuolo could prove to be one of our trickiest opponents, so it will be important to settle in early, find the rhythm, and score some delicious goals early on. For Squinzi.

This post inspired by the music of Sarah McLachlan’s “I Will Remember You”

Serie A Week 35

Sassuolo vs. Milan

Tuesday, July 21 • 21:45 CEST (3:45pm EDT)

This match can be streamed LIVE on ESPN+