One last effort. Then, barring sensational twists, it will be the Champions League and the future will begin to take shape. Everything revolves around Massimiliano Allegri, protected by Galliani, team and fans, but not by Silvio Berlusconi. A big problem, because the president loves to make head of him, even (if not especially) in Milan. But the demonstrations of affection that the Milan world is paying Allegri don't leave him indifferent, on the contrary. The phone call between the two before the match in Pescara demonstrates that the relationship is still standing, as acknowledged by the coach himself at the press conference: "I have a good relationship with the President, we talk often and the fact that sometimes we have differences of views does not mean that we hate each other.
His jokes do me credit because I think I'm in excellent company, from Sacchi to Ancelotti". Yes, no coach has ever managed to escape Berlusconi's criticisms, but perhaps Allegri has gone further. That's why the doubts about his future remain, even if, compared to a week ago, his farewell no longer seems so obvious. It is no coincidence that Mazzarri's arrival percentages increase in Rome, which automatically brings Allegri closer to the Milan bench. All this little theater will end soon, perhaps already tonight, provided that the Rossoneri win the points they need to secure third place.
It won't be easy, because a Roma wounded by the defeat against Chievo will arrive at the San Siro. “Our motivations will have to be greater than theirs, despite the fact that they are fighting to reach the Europa League – thought Allegri. – We have only one result, victory. We don't need to be in a hurry to win, but we want to end with a bang in front of our fans". Who are expecting a spectacular match, given that two of the best attacks in the league will be on the field. On one side Balotelli, El Shaarawy and, albeit from the bench, Pazzini, on the other Totti, Osvaldo and Lamela. Goals (42 Rossoneri, 43 Giallorossi) have never been lacking, especially since Super Mario arrived, who has recovered from a flu attack and will be on the pitch regularly. “A champion who is good for Italian football, we needed someone like him – praised Allegri. – In Pescara he made himself available to the team and with us he feels like a protagonist like never before".
Confidence also for El Shaarawy, without scoring on 24 February. The Pharaoh suffers from withdrawal and hopes to smile again against Roma, perhaps with a third-place goal. "He played a good game against Catania and I replaced him against Turin because I needed other characteristics up front" explained the coach, who will field him from the first minute together with Balotelli and Boateng.
Tension also in Rome, where transfer market rumors hold the table. The defeat against Chievo practically eliminated Andreazzoli's chances of reconfirming Andreazzoli, who yesterday spent nice words for Allegri and Mazzarri, his possible replacements: “I like them a lot, they are my ideal coaches. They have demonstrated quality with results starting from the bottom up and working their way up. I have a highly positive opinion, they could do well in Rome". “It's a compliment, but I'm the Milan coach and I only have the goal of third place in mind – Allegri's answer. – Once the objective has been achieved, as Galliani said, we will start talking”. First the Champions League, then the future. Possibly as a winner.
POSSIBLE FORMATIONS
AC Milan (4-3-3): Have you; De Sciglio, Zapata, Mexes, Constant; Flamini, Ambrosini, Muntari; Boateng, Balotelli, El Shaarawy.
On the bench: Gabriel, Amelia, Yepes, Zaccardo, Abate, Salamon, Nocerino, Cristante, Traoré, Robinho, Niang, Pazzini.
Trainer: Massimiliano Allegri?
Unavailable: De Jong, Bojan, Montolivo, Antonini, Bonera.
Disqualified: nobody.
Beware: De Jong, El Shaarawy, Flamini, Mexes, Muntari, Nocerino, Pazzini, Yepes, Zaccardo.
Rome (3-4-2-1): Lobont; Marquinhos, Burdisso, Castan; Torosidis, Pjanic, Bradley, Marquinho; Lamela, Totti; Oswald.?
On the bench: Goicoechea, Svedkauskas, Taddei, Dodò, Piris, Destro, Florenzi, Perrotta, Tachtsidis, Lopez.
Trainer: Aurelio Andreazzoli?
Unavailable: Stekelenburg, De Rossi, Balzaretti.
Disqualified: Guberti (until August 2015).?
Beware: Lamela, Florenzi, Torosidis.
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi (Florence).
Line Assistants: Niccolai - Giordano.
Port Assistants: Banti – Giannoccaro.
Fourth official: Maggiani.
