In the sign of Berry. The Milan beat Palermo with a daring 3-2 and the great protagonist is him, the Colombian who arrived in the summer from Seville. Two goals from a true striker, a rabona who was about to bring down San Siro and a series of very useful, not to say fundamental, movements to create havoc in the opposing defence. The Rossoneri thus achieved a very important success, both for the standings and for morale.
“I'm satisfied with the result, a little less with the game – commented Mihajlovic. – Games must be closed earlier, it always seems that we are afraid of winning. However, compared to the start of the championship, it's a different Milan." Glass half full for the Serbian coach, even if the happiest note of this Saturday is certainly the result.
In fact, the performance leaves the doubts of the eve unchanged: the offensive phase is improving, the defensive one is not. Milan had to suffer to win the three points, much more than could be predicted on the eve and in any case too much for what the pitch said. In fact, a draw would have been a false result, yet Palermo came quite close. Already in the first half Mihajlovic's team, despite a clear territorial supremacy, had been joined by Hilljemark (32'), good at exploiting an indecision of Diego Lopez thus nullifying Bacca's lead (21'). It was he who made a cross by Calabria (entered in place of the injured Abate and author of a very good performance) fouled by Bonaventura, once again showing his skills as a center forward-killer. The former Atalanta made up for it a few minutes later with a splendid free-kick, which mocked the innocent Sorrentino at the crossroads of the posts (40').
Downhill match, yet this Milan, in clear growth compared to the Augustan version of the championship, has not yet learned the art of cynicism. After 27' without risking practically anything, the Rossoneri suffered the new peer of Palermo with the usual Hilljemark, perfect in making a play by Gilardino with the Rossoneri beautiful figurines. Trouble ahead for Mihajlovic who, however, could count on a great Bacca. The Colombian made perfect use of a cross from the right from Kucka and scored with a great header (75'). This was the exclamation point in the match, a 3-2 final that brings back some serenity and confidence in a lively environment.
From Rossoneri to Nerazzurri Milan. In fact, today it's up to Inter, who at 12.30 will visit the Chievo of Maran. Bentegodi's high-ranking challenge, with Mancini's men at the top at 9 points and the yellow and blues, already capable of stopping Juventus, immediately behind at 7.
“It will be a difficult match under all aspects, environment, schedule and strength of the opponent – the Nerazzurri coach said. – For us, winning would be very important, it would give us the continuity of results we are looking for”. Many, especially after the derby won, point to Inter as one of the favorites for the Scudetto but Mancini prefers to keep a low profile. “I think it will take at least 10 days before we understand how things will go – she reiterated. – There are teams like Juve and Milan who are behind but who have the potential to recover, we just have to think about working and doing well".
The coach has some problems in defense, where he will have to give up Miranda and Juan Jesus at the same time, furthermore the clogged calendar (Verona will arrive at the San Siro on Wednesday, then Fiorentina will be there on Sunday) could lead to a greater rotation of men. In front of Handanovic there will be the debut from the first minute of Alex Telles, with Santon, Murillo and Medel, the latter still preferred to Frog. In midfield it will be Kondogbia's turn to take a break: in his place Brozovic, in a three-way line with Guarin and Felipe Melo. Probable then the use of Ljajic in place of Jovetic, with Perisic back in the trocar and Icardi chasing the first goal in the league. Maran will respond with a mirror form and the usual offensive trident made up of Birsa, Meggiorini and Paloschi.
