Milan-Parma Preview: Stamina

Milan are still unbeaten since the break, however searing temperatures and a packed schedule are starting to impact the players. Not to mention the fact that Milan faced Lazio, Juventus, and Napoli all within eight days. While this restart has been so great for players and fans alike, the teams that will gain the most points will be the ones with the most stamina.

He's played every minute of every match this season. Stamina.

Parma suffered a scare last week when one of their staff members tested positive for COVID-19. After quarantining and re-testing, that staff member tested negative, and Parma were allowed to play their match against Bologna on Sunday. After being down two goals, Parma scored two goals in stoppage time to take the point.

For that match, D’Aversa lined up Sepe; Laurini, Iacoponi, Alves, Gagliolo; Darmian, Hernani, Scozzarella, Kurtic; Kucka; and Sprocati. Their match saw the return of Inglese, who had been out injured, and scored the last second equalizer. For our match, Scozzarella is out injured, and Cornelius is still in doubt. Parma had some great form for a while, and were expected to challenge for a European spot. Even if they now sit ten points behind us in twelfth place on the table, do not write them off as a serious threat in this match, especially after our big games lately.

Beloved ex, but enemy until the final whistle

Pioli will be without Saelemaekers in this match, who is suspended after being sent off late on Sunday. This does stretch us on the right, as Castillejo is still out injured. Also out for this match is Musacchio, whose season is over. Duarte could possibly make the bench for this one after being out injured for a while.

Pioli mentioned that some of the players were absolutely wrecked after Napoli, and with the circumstances right now, it is unlikely that they were able to recharge their batteries fully in just three days. We are at the point where squad rotation becomes more important than scoring four goals in a match. Obviously, Milan will play to win, but expect some of our starters to be subbed earlier or not to start in some of these matches.

110% in every match, but his body is still human

Off the pitch, rumors and chatter about the future of Milan continue to threaten the mentality of this squad. Luckily, Pioli is doing everything he can to help the team maintain focus to finish this season in the best possible way. The team are being taxed both physically and mentally in search of a European spot, but with a solid mentality, now all they need is stamina.

This post inspired by the music of NIN’s “Down in It”

Serie A Week 33

Milan vs. Parma

Wednesday, July 15 • 19:30 CEST (1:30pm EDT)

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