Week 14: Milan – Parma

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Follow the match as it happens, on the forum.

Week 13 at Lazio’s starting 11 could only be described as an experimental line up. The injury crisis demanded some imagination and Gattuso and his staff had to come up with a line up that could compete with one of the rivals for the top 4 and Champions League spots. It is somewhat impressive that Milan is still in contention for a European spot with the long term injuries having made the management scrambling for incoming players in January or even free agents earlier. Lucas Paqueta looks certain to arrive from Flamengo and talks with Ibra, Christensen and Cesc – the latter two from Chelsea of course – seem to be on going. In the end Milan took a lead courtesy off a Kessie deflected shot and were good value for the 1–1 tie, if not a win. Joaquin Correa – on as a sub – equalized for the hosts late after several questionable and plain odd refereeing shenanigans. Having the lead very late Gattuso invited more pressure by not using any subs and specifically not using them late to delay the game a bit and perhaps disrupt Lazio’s rhythm and late goal.

Hosting Dudelange in Europa League’s match day 5 was perhaps a chance to give minutes to those who have barely been mentioned or featured. Injuries and rest for those still standing meant Bertolacci, Halilovic and Simic started in a 4-4-2. The first half was a massive disappointment and it continued into the second as the Luxembourg team took a 2-1 lead. Changes had to be made and Bertolacci and Halilovic exited and justified their lack of playing time. Two own goals and the additions of Suso and Mauri reshaped the game and visitors collapsed to a 5-2 loss.

Week 14 is still missing Higuain who is serving the second of his two game ban. The injuries are of course still the big story. The 11 once again requires hard work and experimentation. It is set to feature a back four of Calabria, Abate, Zapata and Rodriguez. It may however be time to put more trust in the young and play Simic again. The Czech international did well midweek. Mauri showed enough to perhaps get a start with Bakayoko and Kessie. Suso and Calhaoglu will start with the recently somewhat disappointing Cutrone.

Parma, led by Gervinho and Roberto Inglese,  are only two points behind Milan and sit at a surprising 6th spot.