1 week ago
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There’s a subtle yet decidedly curious thread linking AC Milan with the pitch, the league table and their injury record.
It was discovered by Corriere dello Sport (via MilanPress), who offered a humorous and effective comparison featuring Strahinja Pavlovic. Two games ago, against Fiorentina, the Serbian defender suffered a nasty blow to the head, resulting in a cut above his eyebrow that required nine stitches.
As a precaution, Massimiliano Allegri chose not to risk him in the following matches against Como and Lecce. Now, however, after two weeks, Pavlovic is ready to return to the field.
On Sunday he will play wearing a protective helmet and a clearly visible plaster on his eyebrow, symbols of a battle already overcome and another still to be won.
Parallels arise
And this is where the link begins. Pavlovic’s temple required nine stitches, but Allegri also wants to – and has already largely – pulled out nine stitches from this decisive mini-stretch. The victories against Como and Lecce are already in the bag, the final step – perhaps the most crucial – is still missing.
Sunday evening’s match at the Stadio Olimpico against Roma will bring the story to a close. A win against the Giallorossi would be crucial, not only for the league standings but also for the message it sends to the league.
Milan are in the mix, they know how to grit their teeth and they know how to win while suffering. Just like Pavlovic, ready to return to the pitch with his head bandaged and his gaze fixed on the goal.
English (US) ·