Milan have been decimated with injuries for much of this season, but now have only two players out. However, they have played their best and won more games when they were missing at least five to seven starters. Their form post-injury apocalypse has been very disappointing at times, as they lack the sense of urgency when they have most of their starting 11. But it truly seems that when they have a competitive squad, they lose all mentality and motivation. To stay in the top four, Milan need to win every match from here on out, especially a match like this one. However, recent history indicates that with most of the players healthy, Milan run the risk of complacency.
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| No room for complacency in the top four |
Parma have nothing to lose, everything to gain, and are riddled with injuries. Sitting in 19th place, they are at serious risk of relegation, so they will certainly not be complacent. They drew with Benevento last week, but it needs to be pointed out that they also beat Roma for all three points just a few weeks ago, ahead of the international break. Also of note, Milan will likely face two ex- players in Kucka and Conti.
D'Aversa barely has enough players to field a starting lineup, it seems, but against Benevento last week, he lined up Sepe; Laurini, Osorio, Bani, Gagliolo; Kucka, Brugman, Hernani; Man, Pellé, and Gervinho. He has almost that many players injured. Those who are injured and will miss this game are: Inglese, Caviglia, Brunetta, Karamoh, Zirkzee, Osorio, Sohm, Mihaila, Cyprien, and Iacoponi. If they are anything like Milan, having ten players out will only increase their mentality.
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| A former Milan fan favorite, Kucka is now devoted to keeping Parma up |
Pioli, on the other hand, has the opposite problem. He is welcoming back Mandzukic, Leao, and Brahim Diaz for this match, strengthening our attack significantly. They have everything to lose and little to gain, and he will have the most complete squad he's had in a while. He should only be missing Romagnoli and Calabria. The latter is recovering better than expected from his knee surgery, and could be back in as little as ten days. However, Pioli has to raise the mentality of the squad and ensure that they maintain a sense of urgency in spite of having nearly a complete starting 11, as well as a strong bench.
The one thing in Milan's favor is their amazing away record this season, so playing at the Ennio Tardini stadium is actually an advantage for them. They definitely don't have as much to play for as Parma, who will be desperate (read: dangerous) for all three points. Milan have a number of teams just behind us on the table, with a tight race for top four. But whether the guys will remember that when they take the pitch is another issue. Milan are their own worst enemy lately, which is why they run the risk of complacency.
This post inspired by the music of lovelytheband's "Broken"
Reviewed by Elaine
on
11:45 PM
Rating:
