Milan travel to Genoa for the Sunday midafternoon match having played two matches this past week at the complete opposite ends of the spectrum. First was the ultimate Derby bliss on Halloween, then another European epic fail vs. Ferencváros on Thursday. But our final test ahead of the international break is vs. De Rossi's Genoa. And don't let their 11th place spot on the table fool you. They have won three in a row, and can never be counted out. So proceed at your own risk.
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| Running the full spectrum of emotions this week, mentality is crucial in this one. |
De Rossi carries a mixed reaction amongst Milan fans. Despite being a career player for Roma, he is still a player that many respect. However, many of the newer U.S. fans think he is some kind of monster for the red card he received playing for Italy in the 2006 World Cup vs. the U.S. But they don't understand superficial head wounds, which are often bloodier than they are damaging, and they forget that they had two of their own players sent off in that match for studs-up, 2-footed tackles that could have actually ruined players' careers.
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| De Rossi and the Marassi. Name a more formidable duo. |
And unlike their loser players, De Rossi apologized to the fragile McBride, neither of their players apologized to Pirlo or Gilardino for nearly ending their careers. (Also, that Italy WON that World Cup, and the only reason they got a point that day was because of Zaccardo. The ONLY point they got the entire tournament. You're welcome.) Needless to say, I became a De Rossi fan that day, myself, so I have a lot of respect for him and especially for what he has done with a club like Genoa.
Last season, De Rossi was hired in November when Genoa were winless, with only three points, and he saved them from relegation, ending with 41 points, including the point Milan gave them with our draw in January. This season, Genoa come into the match in 12th place, with four wins, a draw, and five losses. But most significantly, three of those four wins have come in their last three matches. Their most recent win was a 2-1 win over Lecce last weekend. For that match, De Rossi lined up a 3-4-2-1 with: Bijlow, Marcandalli, Østigård, Johan Vásquez; Ellertsson, Frendrup, Hamed Traoré, our former il Faraone, El Shaarawy; Wiafe, our former Cinderella story, Messias; and Osmajić. As of this writing, De Rossi has a full squad at his disposal. And they have home advantage. At the Marassi. Proceed at your own risk.
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| Amorim's gold standard for the players is ironically unavailable... again. |
Unlike De Rossi, Amorim is still missing six players to injury: Saelemaekers, Gabbia, Pietro Terracciano, Chukwueze, Loftus-Cheek, and Tomori. Additionally, Pavlović has not been called up for this one, as he is suffering from flu-like symptoms (looking at you, Inter.) Obviously, Maignan will be available, having served his European suspension on Thursday, and I would hope to see more of the starters we saw in the Derby last week as a reaction to the dismal defeat to Ferencváros on Thursday.
Despite the miserable outlook in the Europa League, we cannot lose focus in the league, where Milan currently sit in fifth with six wins, three draws, and a single loss. Not qualifying for Champions League would be incredibly costly for Milan. However, I'm a bit concerned about the state of Amorim, who has apparently turned into Hulk Amorim since Thursday, reportedly yelling at the team again on Friday. Anger used correctly can be a motivator, but I am not sure that all of his anger is being appropriately attributed. He is under immense pressure, but has also not been given the team, nor the support to succeed. And that anger should be separated from a beleaguered team who will now be playing their ninth match in 28 days.
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| Hulk Amorim: You won't like him when he's angry. |
He should also consider the opposition. De Rossi's side is one that must also be faced with caution. But even still, Milan were able to pull off a miracle at the Marassi in May (or at least get very, very lucky.) And that wasn't the only time. Three years ago, when Maignan was controversially sent off, Giroud played goalkeeper and helped Milan win big at the Marassi, too. So, we know that miracles are possible, even in that very intimidating stadium, even against a De Rossi team. But the mentality part is going to be up to Amorim. Proceed at your own risk.
This post inspired by the music of Muse's "Unravelling"
Milan Futuro vs. Virtus Ciserano Bergamo
Sunday, November 8 • 14:30 CET (8:30am EST)
Sunday, November 8 • 15:00 CET (9:00am EST)
Reviewed by Elaine
on
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