This management have worked tirelessly to remove Milan's DNA and leave their own mark on the club. From removing Paolo Maldini to dismantling the Scudetto-winning team, their "mark" on the club has become associated to the marks in one's underwear when they learn we are facing FC Bankrupt for the fifth time again this season. After a brave 1-1 draw in the first leg, this match is a win or go home scenario. The reward is a ticket to the final, where Milan would have a chance to play not only for a second trophy, but also direct entrance to the Europa League. Having largely closed all doors to European competition through league play, this match is a must-win in order to have a chance at that. So it is really a test to see if there is still any Milan left at Milan... a Milan DNA test.
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| Have Milan got what it takes to knock out the joint-league leaders? |
Both teams want this one, because it's also a Derby. And I think both teams were distracted this weekend, as they both lost. For Inter, not only is this a chance to attempt to redeem themselves after not winning a single Derby this season, losing twice and drawing twice, it is also a prerequisite for their lofty dream of cheating their way to winning a treble this season. So perhaps their 1-0 loss to Bologna in stoppage time on Sunday that cost them their lead over Napoli at the top of the table was an indication that they were already thinking about this match. (If you've not seen Orsolini's goal, check it out from every angle, it was our only Easter miracle. How much do you think Pobega and Calabria loved it?)
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| What every Milanista is dreaming of. |
For that match, Conceição's ex-teammate, The Other Inzaghi™ lined up a 3-5-2 with: Sommer; Pavard, Acerbi the Racist™, Bastoni, Darmian, Barella, The Turkish Traitor™, Mkhitaryan, Carlos Augusto; Lautaro Martínez, and Correa. For once, The Other Inzaghi™ is the one missing big players to injury: Dumfries, Marcus "the Molester" Thuram, and Zielinski... basically all our favorites. But we can still enjoy the Derby watching Barella trying to mask his hair loss and perhaps even see Dimarco fly through the air again after being tackled.
Conceição received a boost this week as both Walker and Loftus-Cheek returned to training. However, as he mentioned in his press conference, neither are 100% yet. Walker was scheduled to have last minute tests to determine his fitness Wednesday morning, and I can only assume he is not ready by the news that Conceição recalled Bartesaghi from Milan Futuro, who are in Umbria ahead of their match vs. Gubbio. So the only player missing will be Emerson Royal, which may be a blessing, actually. It is truly impressive how well Conceição has managed the injuries this year.
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| Could we see Walker send Dimarco flying again? Or will he even be on the bench? |
There is plenty of other talk about who Conceição will start, but the one candidate who has a strong case to start is Tammy Abraham, aka Mr. Coppa Italia. He has scored four goals so far in the Coppa Italia, including consecutive goals vs. Inter, having scored the matchwinner in both the Supercoppa and the goal in the first leg of the semifinals. Beyond that, it is difficult to be sure what system Conceição will definitely use, let alone make a relatively accurate prediction as to the starting 11. He does enjoy surprising us.
Because this is Italy, the Coppa Italia rules can be confusing, and they change them often. The semifinals are the only round that has two legs, the others are all single elimination matches. While they did away with AET (Added Extra Time) in the previous rounds of the Coppa this season, in the event of a draw at the end of regulation in the second semifinal or the final, there will be AET before going to penalties, if necessary. If you missed the first leg, you can actually watch the full match on Milan's YouTube channel.
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| No, Mike, you are not still concussed, those really are Inter's kits this year. |
Speaking of rules, we cannot face Inter without discussing refereeing, given their lengthy history of receiving so many advantages from referees and Milan's extensive history of being robbed by referees. The referee for this one is Doveri, who has overseen three Milan Derbies thus far, none of which Milan have won. There was a draw and two losses, dating back to the 2019-20 season. And while I like to believe the reffing will all be legit, Milan were fined for a fan using a laser pointer in the first leg, but Inzaghi was not even spoken to, carded, or subsequently punished with the damning video evidence of him actually interfering with play when he was out of his technical area. So believe what you will, but Milan will have to play better than any referee favors/errors that go Inter's way.
Milan have other motivations to win this match as well. Currently sitting outside the top eight in the league, we would start our Coppa Italia journey much earlier next season (translation: more matches.) Also, to be able to have a chance to qualify for the Supercoppa, from which they earned around €11 million for winning this year, so you know that Gerald wants that cash.
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| Tammy's goal celebration in honor of his partner's pregnancy. |
Conceição was asked if there was more motivation for the team to ruin Inter's treble hopes. He said no, that "the motivation doesn't come from the opponent, but from our work day after day... These things don't enter the dressing room." I suppose if he pulls this one off, then we might conclude that this is where Pioli went wrong with his Derby losses, because he was never above putting "motivational images" up in the dressing room.
It is difficult to know whether to have any hope for this one, our hopes have been dashed to pieces like a toy boat in a massive storm this season. And yet this match is really our last hope. Also, this is a Derby. I would expect the Curva Sud to sing their hearts out, but being an Inter home game, they will be in the minority. As this is the Chinese "Year of the Snake," it absolutely feels like this could be the final nail in the coffin for a devastating year for Milan fans. Plus, the club released an over-the-top hype video for this match, and we usually lose every time they do that.
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| Are you ready for some Big Derby Energy? |
Even Ruud Gullit discussed Milan's DNA in an interview, insisting this match was a must win. Milan have never won the Europa League, so perhaps winning the Coppa Italia is not our destiny, not our DNA. But Milan are also not a team that finishes in ninth place, or without any European football for next season, either. So, although it is an intense match in which the pressure alone could determine the result, it is one last chance for this team to prove themselves. A sort of Milan DNA test.
This post inspired by the music of Billie Eilish's "What Was I Made For?"
Be sure to check out the latest Milan Obsession Podcast
Coppa Italia Semifinal 2nd Leg
Campionato Primavera 1 Week 35
Reviewed by Elaine
on
7:15 AM
Rating:
