Saturday's Serie A match at the San Siro vs. Lazio was a preview for this one. However, there is actually more on the line in this match for Allegri at this point in the season. Not playing in Europe suddenly makes the Coppa Italia a more serious competition for him to at least progress in, if not do well or even win this season. And Lazio are a tough opponent to meet at this stage, too, as we saw on Saturday. Plus, they are in the Round of 16 because of their success last season. Milan, even after making it to the Final and winning the Supercoppa last season, had to play two qualifying matches. Being knocked out would now would be beyond embarrassing. And, with him having a vacation day on Monday after being sent off (again), he needs to make a good showing in this match. Because it's a win or go home scenario, so it will be Allegri's test.
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| Allegri has had the balls to play young Bartesaghi in place of experienced Estupiñan, he can handle this. |
Lazio may not have spoken to the press after Saturday's 1-0 loss to Milan, but they will come back with a vengeance and do everything in their power to win at the Olimpico on Thursday. Sarri doesn't just get mad, he doesn't just make outrageous statements about the referees in the media (probably why they did not speak on Sunday,) he gets even. On the pitch. Where it matters. And knocking Milan out of the Coppa Italia would be some sort of consolation after losing like he did at San Siro.
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| Gabbia telling Sarri and Lazio to calm the hell down (I wish.) |
For that match, he lined up a 4-3-3 with: Provedel; Marušić, Gila, Milan's former captain Romagnoli, Luca Pellegrini; Guendouzi, Vecino, Toma Bašić; Isaksen, Boulaye Dia, and Zaccagni. He will still be missing Cataldi, Gigot, and Rovella to injury, but Cancelleri may be back for this match. Let's see if Sarri (or anyone from Lazio) speaks to the press after this match.
Allegri recovered Pulisic since Saturday, so he should at least be on the bench. However, he has lost Fofana, who will be out due to a minor muscle strain. Fofana gets a lot of hate online for his uncanny ability to not hit the target, but he has been an important player to Allegri this season, and he will be missed. Add him to the very short list of Santi Gimenez and Athekame, and Allegri has a very short list of injured players. Reports are that he will give Jashari his first Milan start after coming back from his awful injury, and may rest some other players as well. Plus, he has called up Sala from Milan Futuro to boost the squad as well.
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| Allegri favorite "Cavallo Pazzo" may be one to bet on helping to win this one. |
Milan were not overly dominant on Saturday. They took a few more shots than Lazio, who had more possession, but were obviously not that clinical, as both teams only managed four shots on target. And, as we saw once again, we are very referee-fragile. Meaning Guida and his team could take this match from us at any moment with any call, so it will be up to Allegri to make sure his players are both disciplined and play better than any referee interference.
There is less pressure for Sarri, as Lazio are in the Round of 16 because of their achievements last season, although he will definitely have a point to prove. But for Allegri, elimination would be a complete embarrassment, even if losing to this Lazio side should not be considered a failure. And honestly, the biggest test will be for Guida and his VAR refs, Pezzuto (who is less experienced,) and Aurelio. There is too much conversation around the decisions in Milan matches this season, and far too many conversations about referees in general in Serie A this year. But at worst, they get suspended, then come back and are still paid. For a manager, the results are final, no matter what the ref does, and his job is always on the line, the team's success is largely dependent upon him. So that's why this one will be Allegri's test.
This post inspired by the music of Måneskin's "Gasoline"