Stefano Pioli did not need a history lesson before Milan’s visit to Verona. The tales of how these opponents twice derailed Rossoneri title runs at the Stadio Bentegodi, earning the moniker “Fatal Verona” by beating them on the final day of the 1972-73 season, then the penultimate round of 1989-90, are retold almost every time they meet.
Still, this weekend was different. Eleven years on from their last Serie A title, Milan had finally clambered back to the top of the pile, only to quickly find themselves back at the scene of two of their most infamous defeats. Omens could be found even in the fine details. This time there were three games left in the season, as if Milan had climbed one more rung down the ladder that forms part of Verona’s club crest.
