A draw that leaves everything unchanged but that has decidedly different effects. In fact, the 1-1 draw between Napoli and Lazio satisfies the Biancocelesti above all, now in third place with 22 points together with Milan, albeit with one game to spare. The Azzurri, on the other hand, are forced to deal with yet another misstep of this terrible autumn, which has seen them go from fighting for the Scudetto to fifth place with a view to the Europa League. And things could even get worse: if Gasperini's Atalanta were to beat Sassuolo today, there would be a sensational overtaking in the standings! An unthinkable scenario just a month ago but which became reality after a black period, in which only two victories came against three defeats and yesterday's draw. Which, on the other hand, is fine for Lazio: Inzaghi's team continues to grow game after game and, at this rate, could really compete for third place. “We had a good match always giving the idea of being able to hurt on the restart, even if it's normal to have suffered a bit – thought the Biancoceleste coach. – We came here to play the game, without being passive. Now, however, let's not set ourselves goals, we are only at the beginning and there is still too much left to go until the end of the championship”. The climate at home in Naples is very different, where the internal controversies between Sarri and De Laurentiis are added to the results below expectations. “I would have preferred if he had told me certain things in private – admitted the coach after the match. – Anyway what he says is above any rule, he is the president and he can say what he wants. I'm sorry about the draw, unfortunately it's a period we don't collect much but I'd be more worried if the team didn't create chances at all". Instead, his Napoli builds them, yet the feeling is that the solidity is much lower than some time ago. And if then, after so much creating, the advantage finally arrives (Hamsik in the 52nd minute), immediately cashing in the equalizer (Keita in the 54th minute, duck from Reina) is really a crime.
This evening, however, it will be Roma's turn, in a home match against Bologna (20.45 pm) which would seem to be favourable. Of course, the same thing was also said a week ago against Empoli, but the Giallorossi didn't go beyond the 0-0 thus wasting the chance to stay two points behind Juventus. A misstep which, however, cannot affect the excellent momentum of Spalletti's team, which has gone from the crisis at the end of September to an almost perfect string of results, both in Italy and in Europe. “The boys have grown a lot, you see something different – confirmed the Giallorossi coach. – The matches showcase the flowering but the roots start from training and belonging to these colors, unfortunately in Empoli we were faced with a goalkeeper who saved everything but the road is the right one. Against Bologna we will have to be careful, Donadoni is someone who knows how to prepare matches very well. It will be difficult, but we think we can confirm our constant growth and put in a good performance despite the many injuries". In fact, the list of unavailable players is quite long and affects above all the defense, without Manolas, Vermaelen, Emerson, Mario Rui and even Florenzi. Spalletti will therefore line up a fairly obligatory 4-2-3-1, with Szczesny in goal, Bruno Peres, De Rossi (favorite over Fazio), Rudiger and Juan Jesus in defense, Paredes and Strootman in midfield, Salah, Nainggolan and Perotti in the trocar behind the lone striker Dzeko. Donadoni, dry of victories from 6 matches (the last dates back to 21 September with Sampdoria, since then 4 draws and 2 defeats), will try to stop the Giallorossi army with the usual 4-3-3, therefore Da Costa between the posts, Krafth, Ferrari, Helander and Masina in the back department, Taider, Nagy and Dzemaili in the midfield, Rizzo, Sadiq and Krejci in the offensive trident.
