Milan-Livorno Preview: Dangerous

When we last met Livorno with a Livorno native for our manager, we drew the match, 2-2, and we ended up in 8th place. So here we are again in 8th place, but this time they’re coming to our house. And Allegri is long gone. However, they sit in 18th place in the relegation zone, so this time around, they could be trouble. Just like you were taught to never play with fire, you should never underestimate a team at the bottom, it’s dangerous.

Paulinho: "Excuse me, a little help here?"

Livorno have since changed managers as well, with Domenico Di Carlo currently steering the sinking ship. Their record is 6 wins, 7 draws, and 20 losses, having most recently fallen 4-2 at the hands of Chievo and a hat trick from our very own Paloschi. So I doubt they are in any mood to concede any more goals this week.

For that match, Di Carlo lined up Bardi; Castellini, Valentini, Coda; Piccini, the legendary Djamel Mesbah, Greco, Benassi, Biagianti; Betanin, and Siligardi. However he will be missing Biagianti to suspension, and is still without the injured Mbaye and Luci. Watch out for that Mesbah particularly, he’s the definition of trouble.

Last time we faced Livorno, he scored twice. Can he be trouble for them again?

Meanwhile, Milan saw De Sciglio and Muntari return to training, with Petagna and El Shaarawy training with the Primavera squad (but very unlikely to be called up for the first team.) He will still be missing Essien and Amelia, and Honda is still doubtful with his ankle injury.

With morale coming out of their ears after winning four straight, I hope we don’t get caught up in pride or underestimate how much trouble this team can be. Yet I am still hoping to make it five straight wins, and maybe an improvement in performance, too. Especially if it helps the media stop making up ridiculous rumors about Milan.

His middle name is dangerous

But a win against Livorno for me would also be a nice Easter gift and also an important palate-cleansing in the post-Allegri era. It was so inconceivable to draw with 18th-place Livorno in December under Allegri, but coming into this match in the same position, I hope Seedorf realizes just how dangerous this match can be.

This post inspired by the music of Frank Sinatra

Milan vs. Livorno

Saturday, April 19th • 15:00 CEST (9am EDT)

This match is NOT being shown Live in the US

Check comments for stream links ahead of the match