With so many ex-Milan players coaching in Serie A, it is a source of pride for Milan fans, but it is also heartbreaking when we have to face off against one of our Milan legends. Pippo Inzaghi is so beloved, his passion unmatched, and thus it is difficult to wish ill on him as a coach. Having also been burned as a Milan coach by Berlusconi, and having coached Calabria and other Milan youth players prior to the first team, it is twice as difficult to see him in charge of the other team. However, all is fair in love and war.
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| Pippo celebrating promotion to Serie A with Benevento |
Benevento were promoted to Serie A this season, and struggled initially, including 5-2 losses to both Inter and Roma. However, they drew 1-1 against both Juventus and Lazio, and since the latter draw, won their last two matches 2-0 against Genoa and Udinese respectively. This saw them climb to 10th place on the table, with 18 points. For the match against Udinese before Christmas, Pippo lined up Montipó; Litizia, Tuia, Glik, Barba; Improta, Ionita, Sciattarella; Roberto Insigne, Caprari, and our old friend Lapadula. Pippo will be missing Caldirola, Volta, and Iago Falque to injuries.
Milan will have to face Pippo's side missing a number of starters. Theo Hernandez is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Ibrahimovic is still out injured, as are Bennacer, Gabbia, and Saelemaekers. Castillejo is in doubt due to fitness as of this writing. Each match seems to be an even bigger challenge lately, due to the accumulation of injuries, but with Theo Hernandez suspended, too, this may be Pioli's biggest challenge with his young team in the league so far this season.
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| Pioli celebrating a win with his troops |
Rebic had struggled for his first goal in the season until Pioli moved him back out to the wing, and put Leao in the middle, hopefully that is repeated for this match. Dalot is the natural replacement for Hernandez, and Tonali for Bennacer. If Castillejo is not fit, I assume Brahim or Hauge may start. Kjaer returned to training midweek, but may not start or even be available for this match, in which case Kalulu will be thrown into the fire again.
Coming back from Christmas break, it is always difficult to predict how teams will play upon returning. However, after 26 matches unbeaten, it is hoped that Milan's massive mentality will pull them through yet another game with so many injuries. Both ahead of Juventus, and to stay ahead of Inter on the table, this match is an important one for Milan. Not that I wish Pippo any ill at all, but all is fair in love and war.
This post inspired by the music of U2's "War"
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