Podcast: January Madness

Midway through the January mercato, things would be crazy enough, but this week saw even more change with the departure of Coach Massimiliano Allegri. In fact, this podcast was recorded in two segments to accommodate the madness. From the do-it-yourself rumor advice, the heartbreak of the Sassuolo match, and the change of guard, madness ensues throughout.

Thanks for the memories

Today I welcome new guest. A comedian, teacher, and bodega clerk extraordinaire Dave Lamb is also a Milanista and writer for DAI DAI DAI. This time discussed:

• News of the Week: The Maldini legacy, a new coach in Holland, Allegri master trolls Inter

• Mercato Madness: Ridiculous Rumors – do it-yourself transfer rumors

• Mercato Update: Honda, Rami, Exit news

• Reviews: Serie A week 18 vs Atalanta, Serie A week 19 at Sassuolo

• Upcoming Matches Preview: Coppa Italia Round of 16: Milan vs. Spezia, Serie A week 20 vs. Verona, Coppa Italia Quarterfinals: Milan/Spezia vs. Udinese

• Player Spotlight:  Mario Balotelli

• P.S. (Post Sacking): Allegri sacked, new incoming coach

Download this episode (right click and save)

Thanks so much to Dave for recording after a tough loss and also for the call back on a more positive note. You can read his fantastic previews at pdacquaviva.com. You can catch him at The Comedy Studio in Cambridge on February 26th or at the Beantown Comedy Club in Boston most weekends where he actually will make you laugh because his team won’t have just hit rock bottom. You can also catch his class at a Boston area middle school or his bodega appearances every Tuesday at Chansky’s Market. Most importantly, follow him on Twitter @DaveLambComedy where you can keep up with all of this!

Coppa Italia: Milan vs. Spezia Mini Preview

Milan start our Coppa Italia campaign vs. the little Serie A B team that could, Spezia. Spezia have knocked out both Genoa (on penalties) and Pescara to earn their date at the San Siro, so are not to be easily dismissed. Their Serie B campaign has not been ideal, with 8 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses, they sit in 12th place in the league. However, there are 5 teams that have 30 points, the same amount of points as they do. Milan could face any number of players on loan from Serie A sides, including our own Ezekiel Henty, the Nigerian player from Milan who has one goal in six appearances.

With a roller coaster week, it will be really interesting to see what happens. Interim manager Mauro Tassotti will be in charge for this match, which I expect textbook tactics and lineups and substitutions from him, if his past appearances during bans are any indication. Balotelli will be serving a Coppa ban from the 2009-10 season, so I am hoping for Pazzini up front. I would also hope to see Honda to start, but we will see about the rest of the lineups. If we are to make the Europa League this season, winning the Coppa Italia is our best chance at that, so I’m hoping for our boys to be focused in spite of all of the changes and give us a convincing win. Forza Milan!

Our next match is

Coppa Italia Round of 16

Milan vs. Spezia

Wednesday, January • 18:00 CET (12noon EST)