Milan vs. Fiorentina: The Matri Free Zone

Milan have a wealth of attackers, Fiorentina have no real forwards who are healthy and available. Fiorentina played in the Europa League on Thursday, Milan are not in Europe this season at all. Milan are a surprising fourth in the table, Fiorentina sit in a disappointing ninth. But one thing both clubs have in common is that Matri is not on either of their rosters this year, after cursing both clubs with his presence last year.

He who will not be missed

Tonight’s match sees a rivalry whose flames were fanned by events in the last couple of seasons, seasons that were disappointing for both teams. Milan has the edge so far this season in that their fortunes have turned upward, whereas with some terrible injuries and some other bad luck, Fiorentina’s fortunes have been largely poor so far this season.

Milan also have the edge in that all of their injured and suspended players (barring ex-Fiorentina captain Montolivo) are fit and available, whereas Fiorentina are still missing Mario Gomez, Giuseppe Rossi, and now David Pizarro for this match. Milan are playing at home, whereas Fiorentina traveled to Greece and played on Thursday and now have to make the trip to the San Siro as well.

Two former national teammates, now both ready to make their mark as young coaches

But it will still be a battle. Marko Marin, on loan to Fiorentina from Chelsea is likely to make his Serie A debut for the Viola after playing a few minutes in their 1-0 Europa League win on Thursday. They also have players like Cuadrado, Babacar, Valero, and Vargas who tend to surprise or disappoint, rarely all at the same time. Most importantly, I hope that referee Luca Banti will call a fair match with no controversy so we can try to put that ridiculousness behind us.

But whatever the outcome of the match is, both teams will be winners. Because neither team will have Alessandro Matri on the pitch or even taking up a spot on the bench. And when that happens, everyone wins.

This post inspired by the music of Prince’s Purple Rain album

Milan vs. Fiorentina

Sunday, October 26 • 20:45 CET (3:45pm EDT)*

*note the end of European daylight savings time changes the time difference

This match will be shown on RAI and BeIn Sport in the U.S.

Check the comments section here for stream links ahead of the match