Champions League: Pippo, But No Maldini

By: Martha | May 2nd, 2007

Super Pippo! Well, unless Carlo Ancelotti is just lying to everyone, the dream of a fit Paolo Maldini captaining Milan this afternoon is dead: He’s with the squad, but is not fit enough to play. Sigh. It’s not that Bonera (or Kaladze, who might be preferred on the basis of experience) hasn’t had a great season and doesn’t deserve our confidence stepping into the role, but not having Maldini in a match this big is a huge emotional blow for fans and, one assumes, the players as well. Dammit.

The good news is that Gattuso is ready to go (Hopefully he’ll be captain today — he tends to step up even bigger when he’s wearing that armband.), as is the great and infuriating Pippo Inzaghi, who “has want of Europe.” As frustrating as it can be to watch Pippo play, the man scores almost at will in Champions League, and his fitness and productivity are key if Milan want to come out of this with a place in the final. (If you want some extra reading material, there’s a great piece on him in today’s Guardian, detailing Super Pippo’s focus, his success, and the backhanded compliments of opposing managers — Johann Cruyff once said “Look, actually he can’t play football at all. He’s just always in the right position.”)

Off the pitch, there are the ever-present concerns of possible crowd trouble. It’s being reported in the international media that an alcohol ban is being enforced by authorities in Milan, but that’s clearly not happening — it’s not as if the town has gone totally dry. What might be going on is a short ban on the sale of portable alcohol near/around the ground; drinking is being allowed in restaurant and, presumably, bars as well, but at least the city center won’t be seeing supporters wandering around with pre-match beer cans in hand. In addition, Man U have reportedly sent a team of their own stewards to help with crowd control within the ground, something that might actually help if they end up stationed with the away supporters and make a police presence there unnecessary.

And it’s going to rain, just like it did last week in Manchester. (Can’t you already see Rino, covered with mud, gesturing wildly? He’s going to love it.) Since last week I thought the wet pitch would lead to a cautious, cagey match and was completely wrong, I won’t even guess at what it’ll mean today. Rain or not, though, it’s unlikely Sir Alex will allow his team to make the mistake of sitting back too deep to protect their lead, so Milan are going to have to come out aggressively from the very start and seize control of the game. Oh, and Dida has to live up to his ability and try not to suck. I don’t mind telling you I’m terrified, but would give anything to be at the San Siro tonight.

My heart says 2-1 to Milan. My head is too nervous to form any words, let alone make a prediction. The game just needs to start already.