Saturday with a view to third place in Serie A. Sampdoria-Milan, luxury advance of the eleventh day (20.45), is a high-ranking challenge for both. In case of victory, the Sampdoria could find themselves on the podium alone, albeit waiting for Lazio, the Rossoneri instead would hook their rivals at an altitude of 19, moreover they would respond to the criticisms that came after the defeat against Palermo. Marassi's match was unpredictable: the last tests see Sampdoria as the favorites but up to now Milan have shown that they are absolutely unpredictable, for better or for worse. “It takes patience, this is a new team and it needs to acquire certainties – thought Inzaghi. – Against Palermo we were messy, everyone was trying to solve it with an individual play. However, I am convinced that in Genoa we will see the real Milan again." The Rossoneri coach believes it, or more likely if he wishes it. Losing (but also not winning) would mean dangerously moving away from third place, indicated by the club as the priority objective of the season. The will will certainly not be lacking in the team, the problem is that they will be facing a tough opponent and, at least so far, unbeaten within the friendly walls.
“They have great spirit and excellent players – confirmed Inzaghi. – We are ready to play a great game, in case of victory we could hook them even if, at least until December, I don't want to look at the standings. I mustn't be conditioned by this but only by the technical aspect”. Indeed, this too is the subject of discussion in the Rossoneri sports bars. So far SuperPippo has never re-proposed the same formation which, in a season without cups (therefore without the "necessary" turnover), raises at least some perplexities. This time, to lend a hand to Inzaghi (so to speak of course), the injuries will take care of it. “Abate, Alex and Muntari won't be there – he revealed at the press conference. – Zapata has never trained during the week, but I'm not worried: I have many players in shape." The fans are hoping they are the forwards, without a hit from three games (Honda's goal in Verona) and in the midst of a nervous breakdown (Pazzini) and identity (Torres, El Shaarawy and, in part, Menez). At Marassi it should be the trident El Shaarawy-Menez-Bonaventura, even if Torres and Honda are not completely out of the game. For the rest of the lineup conditioned by injuries: Mexes and Rami will replace Alex and Zapata while Abate's place will be occupied by De Sciglio, climbed on the right with Bonera on the other side.
It will be up to Essien instead to replace Muntari, with De Jong and Poli at his side and the eager Saponara and Van Ginkel on the bench. "Let's beat the Devil and stay in Heaven" is Mihajlovic's half-joking harangue, as usual full of energy. “On paper, Milan are stronger than us, and they'll also want redemption,” continued the Serbian. – But we are not satisfied, on the contrary we are up there with merit and we want to stay there”. Sinisa, who will have to do without the unavailable Romagnoli and the disqualified Palombo, will propose the 4-3-3 with which he has already stopped Roma. In defense, in front of Romero, there will be De Silvestri, Gastaldello, Regini and Mesbah, in midfield Soriano, Obiang and one between Rizzo (favourite) and Duncan. No doubts in attack: Eder and Gabbiadini will support Okaka.
