Sassuolo-Milan Preview: Flashbacks

It feels like Sassuolo have a special curse on Milan where they win every time. But actually, Milan have won five of their last ten Serie A meetings, drawing once and losing four times. However one of those four losses was instrumental in getting Allegri fired, so it was kind of like a win. Still, every time we meet them, it seems like we experience some kind of flashbacks.

A face no Milan fan ever wants to see again

This time will be no exception. Their squad features our ex-NASA launch expert Boateng, more recently known as Prin$$. It features one of Milan fans’ most hated ex-players, Matri, as well as one of Milan fans’ most beloved ex-players, Locatelli. Only with Sassuolo currently sitting in third in the league and Milan drowning in 13th, all of those –exes look pretty clever right about now. Also in the Sassuolo squad is Berardi, the Milan-killer, who has scored more goals against Milan than any other club in Serie A.

Sassuolo have surprised everyone, possibly even themselves, with four wins, a draw, and a loss. Their only loss was against Juventus, and their good form continued with a 2-0 win over SPAL on Thursday. For that match, De Zerbi lined up Consigli; Marlon, Magnani, Ferrari; Adjapong, Bourabia, Magnanelli, Rogerio; Djuricic, Babacar, and Boga. He also rested a number of key players like Di Francesco, Berardi, and our exes Boateng and Locatelli. Because De Zerbi knows how to rotate.

It's just too much.

In the category of coaches who still have yet to figure out the rotation thing, Gattuso has a bit of a crisis up front. Higuain is still injured, while both Cutrone and Borini are also battling injuries. The former was not even called up for our trip to Mapei Stadium, while the latter two are called up but not likely to start. Caldara is still injured, and of course Conti and Strinic are out long term. Also out injured are Milan fans who expected more from this team and are quickly losing faith with the former Milan midfielder’s tactics.

Milan’s mentality do not seem up for any game at this point, least of all to face a team owned by a Milanista that is not afraid to hurt us. That team are in third place and have a well-managed squad who seem to be salivating at the prospect of kicking Milan while we are down… in 13th place. So whatever your vice is, alcohol, chocolate, or whatever, I would strongly encourage you to indulge before this match. It could go well, I suppose, but it’s more likely going to go badly, with all of our –exes scoring on us. That’s how it goes with Milan flashbacks.

This post inspired by the music of Oasis’ “Don’t Look Back in Anger”

Serie A Week 6

Sassuolo vs. Milan

Sunday, September 30 • 20:30 CEST (2:30pm EDT)

This match will be shown LIVE on RAI Italia in the U.S.

Can also be streamed on ESPN+