Earlier this afternoon, AC Milan’s fixture against Bologna was postponed until later notice, and it is a decision that damages the Rossoneri.
The past day has certainly been a frustrating period, with decisions being left until the last minute about Milan’s game this weekend. Nevertheless, it is a decision that has been made now, and the Rossoneri are unhappy.
According to reports, it could be six months before the fixture is actually played, and with an already hectic calendar, it sends Milanello into a strange place. As Milan News write, the decision puts the Diavolo at a disadvantage.
Already, there are concerns about the calendar, and if either club progresses in Europe, there will be further concern about the re-arranged fixture. Due to Serie A regulations, there must be an eight-game gap between the two sides facing one another, so the most likely option right now is a fixture in February.
In the present, it is also frustrating as the hosts are in poor form, so now would be an ideal time to play them, at least on paper. Added to this, the Rossoneri would have preferred to use the suspensions of Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders in this game, rather than a Scudetto-deciding game against Napoli.
It’s not the first time game is cancelled – not sure why people make such a big deal. Yea, Theo and Tiji will be suspended for Napoli but it will also allow Milan 5 extra days of rest. It is what it is.
The rescheduling nightmare is a part of the problem only.
The fact that we need to play Terracciano against Politano and Calabria/Emerson against Kvara, whilst using RLC/Musah and Fofana as the pivots in midfield to face Napoli is the bigger issue.
5 days rest does not make up for the decrease in quality.
Theo -> Terracciano
Reijnders -> Musah
Yes but Napoli will have played an extra game with less time to rest. Not all the disadvantage is on Milan
Napoli will still rest for several days and their calendar is not the one being changed so their recovery time was already factored in for them. I don’t see it changing much for Napoli regarding resting time; they don’t even have to rotate because they don’t play in Europe. Meanwhile, I do see the tactical issues changing a lot for us, not having two of our main starters against them.
I do think that having the clueless Terracciano against Politano is a HUGE problem. For me, it’s hard to know which one is weaker, Emerson or Terracciano (or, Calabria or Terracciano). Our right side is already having to face Kvara with weak/off-form RBs, and now our left side will be weak too. It terrifies me to use Terracciano against Napoli. Not to forget, Tijjani has been pretty much our only creative midfielder and he will certainly be missed against Napoli because if we concede goals due to our weak full backs, we need to score more so we need creative offense.
With the exception of Origi and Ballo who are non-factors and are only part of the club as far as salary burden but are not part of the active roster, I see Terracciano, Emerson, and Calabria as Milan’s currently weakest players. RLC and Musah are the next weakest ones. So having to rely on these people against Napoli is definitely not good.
Then, there is the factor of the 5 points they have over us. If we lose to them, they will be 8 points ahead which starts to feel unsurmountable. In order to remain competitive for the Scudetto, we really do need to beat Napoli (or at least draw with them, for the gap not to increase to impossible heights), so, we should be at our best possible strength against them. The way things played out with this horrible decision by the league, we are NOT at maximum strength.
Napoli are also playing Lecce on Saturday in the early kick-off.
Not exactly a tough match. It will be just an extra training session for them.
Conte is going to eat Fonseca’s lunch. We need all the help we can get.
It is what is it though.
Also see gravity, death and taxes as other things that are what they are.
Exactly.
I think extra week of rest should be used by players against Napoli. Theo is not in form and we need Reijnders replacement. Lads must do best against Napoli and close the gap.
Later, Bologna game could be not so important.
If I understand the scope of the flooding in Bologna then I suggest the use of a word like “damage” in the headline is – at best – is in poor taste.
I hope we can each have a good thought for the people there trying to recover and return to normal.
Fine to talk about the impact on Milan, etc. Bit please keep a good thought for the people of Bologna who were impacted.
I could be wrong. but from what I understand it’s not quite that bad. In fact, several other sporting events are still taking place in the city this weekend.
No the kind that would suck out a ton of police and emergency response workers if necessary, which are needed to host a game of 35k+ spectators in Italy.
We have a strong team that can beat Napoli. Theo’s form and attitude have been poor, so it’s good he’s out. Reijnders can be swapped with Musah or Loftus-Cheek. Milan could also go with a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 setup