Milan-Palermo Preview: When Death is on the Line

In the classic movie “Princess Bride,” the proud Sicilian Vizzini reminds us of one of the classic blunders: “Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line.” Of course he tells us this mere seconds before his death, so I’m not sure that it is necessarily true. But then again, unless you believe the hype, hosting Palermo on Sunday will not be Milan’s death, either. But I still hope that Milan play fearlessly, like the Dread Pirate Roberts, against the Sicilian side. Because, you know, you just can’t be too careful when death is on the line.

Don't fire the man who brought you back to Serie A, Zamparini. Give him a raise so he can afford some fashion sense.

The only one who should be worried about the iocaine powder is Iachini. Working for Zamparini is kind of like the battle of wits with death on the line. And since Palermo are only in 15th place, he may has well have drunk the wine from both glasses, because death from iocaine powder is probably preferred to joining the very long list of coaches Zamparini has hired and fired… this week. But having lasted over a year now, and guided Palermo back to Serie A this season after taking over from former Milan player Gattuso, perhaps Zamparini will give him a bit more time.

Certainly Iachini pulled off the win vs. Chievo midweek, improving their record this season to two wins, three draws, and four losses. In that home match for Palermo, he lined up Sorrentino; Andelkovic, Muñoz, Gonzalez; Lazaar, Barreto, Vazquez, Rigoni, Morganella; Dybala and Belotti. Rigoni’s yellow card in that match earned him a suspension, but other than missing the midfielder, Iachini seems to have a full squad to choose from.

Let's hope he is the Dread Pirate Roberts in this duel of wits

Despite being cleared this week to begin training again after his broken leg, Montolivo will not be fit for this match. Additionally, Bonaventura is likely to not be called up as a precaution due to his head injury on Wednesday. But the good news is that Sulley “The Killer” Muntari will not be available to play tomorrow due to his suspension from accumulated yellow cards. After Halloween nightmares, that is a dream come true for Milan fans.

Some are saying this is a do or die match after dropping points two matches in a row. But Berlusconi simply advised the team to “score more goals” as he visited Milanello yesterday, which doesn’t sound like a crisis to me. The pressure will be on to take three points, as it always is. And I do believe that this team can pull it off, barring any creative refereeing from Gervasoni. But win, lose or draw, it’s certainly not as if Inzaghi or anyone are gambling their lives with iocaine powder. Because, you know what they say, “Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line.”

This post inspired by the brilliant movie “Princess Bride”

Milan vs. Palermo

Sunday, November 2 • 20:45 CET (2:45pm EST)

This match will be shown LIVE on RAI and BeIN Sport in the US

Check comments for stream links ahead of the match

U.S. fans remember to turn your clocks back 1 hour tonight for the end of Daylight Savings Time