After an incredibly disappointing season, the Rossoneri are now faced with a potential relegation to Serie D. Tonight’s clash, which is the second leg of the relegation play-off, will be a sporting drama as per Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below), especially since neither of the clubs expected to be in this position.
Different starting ambitions, perhaps – promotion play-offs for the Emilians, a quiet season for the Rossoneri – but no one would have imagined a do-or-die relegation play-off. Whichever club gets the short end of the stick will have to heavily review its project.
For the club that wins, there will be celebrations for a night and then serious evaluations on what went wrong. There have been so many difficulties for both sides this season, from the sackings of Andrea Dossena and Daniele Bonera to the protests of both sets of fans.
It’s painful to think that SPAL played in Serie A until five years ago, and that the second Rossoneri team was born to start a virtuous circle in terms of home-grown players. As such, tonight’s game is incredibly important for both sides.
Milan won 1-0 in the first leg, deservedly so, and tonight it will be a do-or-die without extra time or penalties. The rules state that in the event of a tie in results and goal difference, the team that finished higher in the league will remain in C. That is, SPAL, which overtook Milan on the very last day.
Around 10k fans are expected at Stadio Paolo Mazza tonight, so it will be a very difficult environment for the Rossoneri
