A second place gala. Milan and Napoli are ready to compete for the prestigious position in the standings, which is worth the Champions League from the front door. In essence, 30 million euros are dancing, which remain on standby in case of preliminaries. The stakes are therefore very high, but the teams get there in different ways. Napoli is undoubtedly better off: returning from three consecutive victories, but above all with a four-point lead over their rivals, they have the possibility of playing for a draw as well. “We are not capable of making calculations – retorted Walter Mazzarri. – We have an advantage but we will update only after the game. At worst we will still be one point ahead. However, we don't need to think like this: we have to give our best without making calculations”. But if the Azzurri want to win, Milan are literally obliged to do so. If he wants to cultivate the remaining hopes of second place, the three points are even essential. “It will be a difficult match because Napoli play well and have many qualities especially up front – explained Massimiliano Allegri. – They have 4 points more, we have to win. It will take balance and patience, but I am convinced that it will be a good game. and we lose goodbye second place, the fate is in their hands”.
In short, the parties rebound the most uncomfortable role, that of the favorite. Mazzarri, however, doesn't want his team to pass for the outsider: “The numbers confirm that we're growing, +14 compared to last year, only Fiorentina did +16 but last year they made an unwatchable championship. Milan have fewer points than last year for example. Now we're grown up and the kids have no awe." Less bravado in the AC Milan home, where the match in Florence has somewhat lowered the enthusiasm. “We are focused on what awaits us between now and the end of the championship. In Florence we had the opportunity to close the third place issue. Instead a messed up game came out in the second half; we put our own though. A difficult climate had been created, but you need to have the maturity to face certain situations. But I think the 6-point lead over the fourth is a great result that no one would have ever predicted". The weather is hot, also because Mazzarri didn't like some of the statements that came from Milan, especially in recent days. “I have often heard statements from them in which they flaunted safety in the second place. Now, however, the compliments arrive: they will have changed the version.
In any case, I reciprocate Allegri's praise because they have changed a lot and have rejuvenated the squad while remaining in the top tiers of the standings”. Some controversy also on the designation of Rocchi, not particularly welcome in the parts of Castel Volturno. “Had there been a conspiracy we would have won in Florence and Balotelli would not have been disqualified – retorted Allegri, thus also responding to Inter. – In Florence we left two points, we put in ours, but the referee has very little to do with it”. Mario Balotelli will not take part in the big match at San Siro, disqualified for three days after insulting the goal judge in Florence. Pazzini will play in his place, in a trident with El Shaarawy and, probably, Niang. The indications from Milanello in fact see Boateng back in the midfield, even if there is still some possibility of seeing him in attack. On the Naples front, there is no doubt, apart from a Britos – Gamberini ballot which sees the Uruguayan in clear advantage. For the rest it will be the usual 3-4-1-2, with Hamsik behind the pair Pandev - Cavani. The stars are all there, now all that remains is to enjoy the show.
POSSIBLE FORMATIONS
AC Milan (4-3-3): Have you; Abbot, Zapata, Mexes, Constant; Flamini, Montolivo, Boateng; Niang, Pazzini, El Shaarawy.
On the bench: Amelia, Zaccardo, Yepes, Bonera, Antonini, De Sciglio, Flamini, Salamon, Traoré, Nocerino, Bojan, Robinho.
Trainer: Massimiliano Allegri.
Unavailable: De Jong, Ambrosini.
Disqualified: Balotelli (3).
Beware: De Jong, El Shaarawy, Zaccardo, Boateng, Yepes, Zapata, Nocerino.
Naples (3-4-1-2): De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Britos; May, Behrami, Dzemaili, Zuniga; Hamsik; Pandev, Cavani.
On the bench: Rosati, Colombo, Grava, Gamberini, Rolando, Mesto, Inler, Donadel, Armero, El Kaddouri, Calaiò, Insigne.
Trainer: Walter Mazzarri.
Unavailable: nobody.
Disqualified: nobody.
Beware: Gamberini, Pandev, Inler, De Sanctis, Calaiò, Armero, Zuniga, Insigne, Behrami, Campagnaro.
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi (Florence).
Line Assistants: By Liberatore – Cariolato.
Port Assistants: Bergonzi-DeMarco.
Fourth official: Maggiani.
