Predicted Lineups!

Milan

Genoa

Roster & Injuries

Milan: Andrea Conti is still nursing that knee while Marco Storari will be missing in action yet again. Ignazio Abate isn’t quite ready yet and Davide Calabria took a few knocks in his match against Arsenal, his health now in question.

Genoa: Armando Izzo, Adel Taarabt, & Miguel Veloso are all doubtful for today’s match.

Form & Prediction

Milan: W/W/W/W/L

If we ignore the disastrous first half AC Milan had against Arsenal in the Europa League, the Rossoneri play in 2018 nears perfection. In Serie A, the Milan men went into Rome and nabbed two goals in their victory, cementing their ‘new look’ and attitude instilled by manager Gennaro Gattuso. Sadly, as much as Rino has pushed for the team to take this on the chin as experience and look forward, the loss to Arsenal at home this week is likely to stick. This very winnable match against Genoa will be a true test of character. Franck Kessie, who was one of the deer caught in headlights this week, came out and said a lack of experience cost the team. And he’s’ right. If you look at the combined age of most of the players, they are one of the youngest teams in Europe. In fact, one could argue their three most important players in Gianluigi Donnarumma (19), Franck Kessie (20), and Patrick Cutrone (20), compose of the all-important footballing spine. None of those players would be allowed to drink alcohol in the United States, yet we here are demanding they carry the Rossoneri to the future.

Cutrone has been involved in the past thirteen matches and will more than likely see the bench today in favor of loanee, Nikola Kalinic. Fabio Borini was slotted into the right back position and will be a key factor in today’s matchup. How well he can defend and track back after pushing forward could be the difference in today’s match. Lastly, Riccardo Montolivo could get the nod today over Lucas Biglia. Biglia is due for some much needed rest, though if I’m being honest, I’d much rather see Manuel Locatelli out there. Montolivo these days always seems to be one step behind the rest of the midfield.

Genoa: L/W/W/W/L

Genoa lost to Bologna last time out, ending their three match win streak. Goran Pandev will be Genoa’s key player today and will demand a lot out of Bonucci and Romagnoli, or perhaps even trying to take advantage of the ill experience of Borini, should he see himself slated for defensive duties. Pandev’s experience could be troubling for the young Milan side.

Last Meeting: Genoa 0-0 Milan

My Prediction: Today’s match is vital, not only for the mental health and culture of the club, but for the standings as well. Inter and Napoli will be facing off and it is a wonderful opportunity for us to grab points and climb up should results go our way. Milan definitely enters the match with the better squad, but the real test will come in the form of confidence after the shattering loss to Arsenal mid-week. I believe Gennaro Gattuso has hardened the mettle and resolve of the Rossoneri this week and expect to see a team determined to prove themselves. It’s a statement match, and away from home, Rino will want all three points.

2-1 with goals from Giacomo Bonaventura and Kalinic.

Match Date, Time and Location

Sunday, February 18, 1:00 PM (ET), 5:00 p.m. (GMT)

Stadio Luigi Ferraris, Genoa, Italy

TV Channels

Italy: Sky Sport 1, Sky Super Calcio and Sky Calcio 1

USA: BeIN Sports

Canada: Sportsnet World

Australia: ESPN

Other countries can find their match listings at livesoccertv.com

Streaming

USA: BeIN Sports / fubo.tv (7-day trial)TV Channels

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