Now or never. Lazio represents for Milan the point of no return, the classic "make it or break it". Between today (20.45 pm) and Tuesday (Coppa Italia) the Rossoneri will play most of the season against the Biancocelesti and the argument obviously also applies to Filippo Inzaghi. In fact, after the defeat against Atalanta, the coach, up to now always supported by the environment, found himself in discussion for the first time.
In short, a difficult moment but, all in all, still remediable, provided however that, starting from this evening, a clear trend reversal arrives. “It's an important match, you'll see a team foaming at the mouth – Superpippo's speech. – All races are decisive and I have broad shoulders. And besides, President Berlusconi has been calling me twice a day all week, his closeness is essential at this moment. I would have expected some reproach from him but instead nothing…”. However, the situation at Milan is far from rosy. The crisis of results (one point in the last three matches against Sassuolo, Turin and Atalanta) is there for all to see, which is why the match against Lazio raises many concerns. “I think that, as I have seen the team, we will get out of this moment soon – explained Inzaghi. – The players have trained well, we need to get back to running well and be more orderly. The desire has never been lacking and this leaves me serene, then we all know the strength of Lazio but I'm focused on my team".
The approach to the match was far from serene. In fact, several rumors arose during the week: from Berlusconi's attacks (later denied) to the possible sale of the company (also strongly denied by Via Aldo Rossi). “Between the president and me there's always confrontation – glossed over the Rossoneri coach. – And then there's Galliani's closeness to make me calm and serene. I have broad shoulders, I know how football works: before Christmas it was said that the team was the favorite for third place and that I was better than Benitez…”. All true but since then it seems like an eternity. That Milan capable of beating Napoli and drawing at the Olimpico in Rome, with 10 men to boot, has given way to this one, stammering, insecure, almost frightened. To complicate things, there is stillness on the transfer market (in the meantime Inter have signed Brozovic from Dinamo Zagreb and Sampdoria will soon make Eto'o official) and the numerous absences, especially in defence. Tonight Inzaghi will have to do without Zapata, De Sciglio, Bonera and Rami, as well as De Jong and Honda (but the Japanese, after being eliminated from the Asian Cup by the United Arab Emirates, will soon be available again). which will make the choices of the back department practically obligatory. In front of Diego Lopez Abate, Alex, Mexes and Armero will play, in midfield Poli, Montolivo and Muntari, in attack Cerci, Menez and Bonaventura. While waiting for the transition to 4-2-3-1 with Pazzini starting (probably in the Italian Cup), the big news will therefore be Montolivo as director in front of the defense and El Shaarawy on the bench.
On the Lazio front, a lot of confidence and desire to do well, despite the fact that the echo of the defeat against Napoli is still strong. “We played on an equal footing against an important team – Pioli replied. – We are very prepared to face Milan, compared to the first leg (3-1 for the Rossoneri, ed) we have acquired a better conviction. In short, we want to find the three points again”. To fulfill this purpose, the Lazio coach will bet on the usual 4-3-3 albeit conditioned by the numerous absentees, above all Felipe Anderson. In defense, in front of Marchetti, space for Basta, Cana, Radu and Cavanda, in midfield Onazi, Ledesma and Parolo, in attack Candreva, Mauri and Djordjevic (favorite over Klose).
