Milan-Torino Preview: Bigger Than You Think

Some matches don’t seem like much on the surface. Then you look at the table and look at the time in the season and other factors, and realize that this game could be very important in the big scheme of things. For example, Torino are showing signs of climbing up the table, and they are only four points behind us going into this match. Meanwhile, Milan would be only one point behind Inter with a win in this match. That’s one point behind third place, leaving Lazio a full three points behind us, too. That would be massive right now. Especially with our injuries and playing a team that does so well away. So maybe this game is bigger than you think.

Is the rooster ready to return? Or can we keep him in his pen?

Torino are coming off of a 2-0 midweek victory over Südtirol in the Coppa Italia to put them into the next round. And last weekend, they beat Genoa 2-1, too. Mazzari had some health issues that saw him sit out a week or so, but he is back, and along with him, Torino’s determination to do something big this season. For the match against Genoa, he lined up Sirigu; Izzo, N’Koulou, Djidji; De Silvestri, Rincon, Meite, Ansaldi; Falque; Belotti, and Zaza. Granted, they scored two goals against Genoa, who were on ten men, and whose owner sacked their coach (again) after that loss. They will also have tired legs from their Coppa Italia match. But still, they are a threat, even away.

Milan have rallied together in spite of injuries, and not even missing such an important player like Fabio Borini can break their spirits. That’s right, Borini is injured. But don’t be despondent, Montolivo is called up, so you can still dream of being dazzled by mediocrity. In good news, Strinic is training hard to get fit again by the end of the month, and Musacchio and Romagnoli are back in training, although it remains to be seen exactly when they will return. Until that time, we will have to rely on former Torino player Abate as a center back. Bonaventura’s season is over, but Biglia and Caldara are working to return within the next 4-6 weeks.

How can we play without such an important player?

Inter and Lazio dropping points is a curse and a blessing. It opens the door for us to catch up, but it’s a curse because we always choke when they give us these opportunities. There is this twinge of optimism in me that says the injuries have forged a strength in this team that will be able to break our curse and pull off the three points in spite of ourselves. Or maybe it’s just wishful thinking, but either way, I hope it comes true. Because this game is maybe bigger than you think.

This post inspired by the music of the Stone Temple Pilots’ “Big Bang Baby”

Serie A Week 15

Milan vs. Torino

Sunday, December 9 • 20:30 CET (3:30pm EST)

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

It is also available for streaming on ESPN+