Balotelli and little else. But Super Mario is enough and advances to lock down third place and continue to undermine second place. For the rest, a barely sufficient Milan was enough to beat a Palermo regenerated only in part by the return of Sannino and sadly destined to relegate to Serie B. That's why something more was expected from the Rossoneri, at least from the point of view of the game, but perhaps Galliani and company had already understood everything. The team blamed the Camp Nou match both physically and mentally, so it's better to bring home this victory without being too squeamish.
“Maces are never easy, on Tuesday we faced Barcelona and we still had trouble in our legs – admitted Massimiliano Allegri. We had to manage the ball better, we wasted a lot of energy." In the end, however, things went well, thanks above all to Balotelli, author of the two goals that decided the match. Super Mario is increasingly the protagonist: his goal average is frightening (7 in 6 games!), As well as his influence on teammates and fans. “I think he's serene now – acknowledged Allegri – with us he plays as a protagonist where there are many young players. He's calm, he's an excellent professional and has a great desire to get involved. He has been on the big stages for years, with Milan he can express his qualities which are exceptional ”.
The match immediately got on the right track for the Rossoneri. In fact, after just 8 minutes the referee Peruzzo conceded a penalty kick for a hold by Aronica on Balotelli. Who from the spot proves to be infallible, giving the team the lead. But the show is not limited to goals: back-heels, plays with the sole, dribbling, the repertoire is complete. The first half slips away in general tranquility, then the yellow card: Zapata stops a ball directed at Dybala with his arm, for Peruzzo it is only a yellow card. Doubts remain, because that seemed to be a clear goal opportunity.
In the second half, however, the Rossoneri enter the field with the handbrake on and someone feels a coup d'état. But just in Palermo's best moment (which became dangerous with Ilicic and Dybala), Balotelli's doubling arrives. It all started with an action on the left by Niang (who came on for a rather angry El Shaarawy) who put a tricky ball in the way. Aronica deflects on Sorrentino who rejects as he can, but Super Mario punishes him with a close tap-in. The match ends there and Allegri can breathe a sigh of relief also in view of his future.
“I can't say anything definitively, I have a contract until 2014 with Milan – retorted the Rossoneri coach, however. – The president and the company have trusted me in a critical period, I believe that the voices are normal even if monotonous. My goal is to get second or third place, then we'll see; I'm happy to be at Milan, continuing this adventure doesn't just depend on me. However, I feel the confidence of the club." Who is now aiming decisively for second place in the standings, to then decide what to do.
