While the players are likely still pumped from their massive win over Juve on Sunday, Wednesday's trip to Turin could be a little different. Whereas Juve have struggled all year long to find a team identity and mentality under Pirlo, Torino suffered half the season under Giampaolo. We Milanisti know what that is like. Torino have managed to improve their second half of the season, but only sit four points above that final relegation spot. Nicola's men will be fighting to ensure their Serie A safety, and will likely put up more of a fight than their city rivals did. This won't be just another night in Turin.
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| With team unity and focus, Milan can accomplish our goal |
Looking at the wagebills alone, you might think that Torino would be a pushover compared to Juventus. Torino's wagebill is only €51 million per year, whereas Juve's is €236 million per year. But whereas Juve played like they had just visited Pirlo's winery, Torino have everything to fight for and will not be nearly so complacent.
Nicola has been charged with picking up the pieces of Torino's season under Giampaolo, and he has done a decent job. Under Giampolo, il Toro picked up only 13 points in 18 matches. Nicola's side have managed to earn 22 points in 17 matches. One of those points earned was on Sunday against Hellas Verona, a game that ended in a 1-1 draw. For that match, Nicola lined up Sirigu; Bremer, N'Koulou, Buongiorno; Mandragora; Vojvoda, Rincon, Verdi, Ansaldi; Sanabria, and Belotti. Against Milan, he will be missing N'Koulou due to suspension, Murrru due to injury, and both Izzo and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic are in doubt due to fitness issues.
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| What a difference a coach makes |
Pioli has a giant 6'5" doubt, as Ibrahimovic's knee problem that saw him subbed off on Sunday is likely to see him miss this match as well as perhaps Sunday's match. Daniel Maldini will also still be unavailable due to fitness, and Saelemaekers earned himself a one match ban for card accumulation, so will have the night off. Pioli may also need to help his team focus after their epic win on Sunday. But with three matches left to earn Champions League qualification, it is hoped that his superpower of managing mentality will see the team through.
A team fighting relegation is the most dangerous kind of team. But a team suffering the aftermath of 'The Giampaolo Effect' is even more dangerous, as Pioli and Milan have shown. Milan players need to show respect for Torino, but also show them why we currently sit in third place on the table. We cannot lose sight of our Champions League qualification goal, especially when it is only three matches away from becoming a reality. Hopefully, the guys will realize that this is not just another night in Turin.
This post inspired by the music of Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now"
Reviewed by Elaine
on
11:30 PM
Rating:
