Milan-Frosinone Preview: The Penultimate Chance

It feels like Milan have been on their last chance for Champions League qualification for some time now. Indeed, we are not even the masters of our own fate, but must win both of our remaining matches and hope for the results of other teams to go our way. Despite the fact that Frosinone are already relegated, they will be playing for honor. Which is more than Milan has played for lately, so therefore still dangerous. Milan must end this match with three points if we even want to have a chance. This game is our penultimate chance.

Will our young captain help us cross the finish line?

Frosinone are finishing this season in 19th place, well ahead of Chievo, but far enough behind the other relegation-threatened teams that they will not be able to reach any higher. Last Sunday, they lost 3-1 to Udinese at home. For that match, Baroni lined up a 3-4-1-2 with Bardi; Brighenti, Ariaudo, Capuano; Paganini, Sammarco, Valzania, Beghetto; Ciano; Ciofani, and Pinamonti. It looks like he will be missing former Milan star Bartosz Salamon (bonus points if you remember him,) as well as Chibsah and Viviani to injuries. Gori is also doubtful for this match.

Gattuso is still without the ref-slapping Paqueta and the injured Bonaventura, Caldara, and Calabria. It is unknown as of this writing whether or not Conti and Strinic will be available. It is also unknown as to whether or not Gattuso and the team will be able to find the mentality to play for 90 minutes against an already relegated team. Additionally, it is unknown is if the absurd 4-3-3 and mindnumbing tactics of playing from the back without the players to successfully execute either will prevent the necessary goal(s) to win this match and bring home the three points.

Our old pal Salamon unlikely to face us

Typically, Milan unveil their new kit at one of these last matches, this being a home game, it could be this one. Maybe that will inspire a win against the relegated team? I don’t know, the kits are not that overwhelming. Kind of like Milan’s second half of the season, to be honest. So let’s just hope that Frosinone bring their B game, having already been relegated to Serie B. And that Milan take full advantage of their penultimate chance.

This post inspired by the music of Europe’s “The Final Countdown”

Serie A Week 37

Milan vs. Frosinone

Sunday, May 19 • 18:00 CEST (12noon EDT)

This match can be streamed LIVE on ESPN+ in the U.S.