Milan win again. He did it on an evening in which he had no alternatives and this makes the success against Chievo even more important. However, the 2-0 final (goals from Muntari and Honda) did not erase the doubts about the team, as usual excellent in the offensive phase and in great difficulty in the defensive phase. The fact of not having conceded goals (first time this season) is more a coincidence that is the result of real tactical improvements, as evidenced by a sensational counter-attack granted to the Veronese midway through the second half. In short, Milan is still an open building site with an indecipherable future.
“Let's enjoy the best attack in the league and the first match without conceding a goal – Inzaghi retorted in the press conference. – We conceded some dangerous restarts because we were too generous up front." In fact, the team's DNA is totally offensive, which brings entertainment but also several thrills. In the first half, Milan, lined up with a 4-3-3 in which Bonaventura plays midfielder, creates several chances to score but without a real tactical script. And so it went 0-0 at half-time and with Chievo poisoned by Mazzoleni's decision not to concede a penalty for a contact between Alex and Maxi Lopez.
In the second half, Inzaghi changes formation (4-2-3-1) and the maneuver gains all right, so much so that in the first 10 minutes it rains goals in series. However, the goal that unlocked the impasse was Muntari's, good and lucky to find the intersection with a shot from distance (55'). The offensive phase works, the defensive one doesn't. Several blunders (Muntari, but also Rami) bring Chievo one step away from a draw, then Honda takes care of it with a free-kick to chase away the ghosts from San Siro (78'). The 2-0 final takes Milan to fourth place in the standings, albeit in cohabitation with Sampdoria and with one game more than Inter and Napoli.
This evening (20.45) it will be up to them to try to shorten the fight to the European placements again. The Nerazzurri will visit Fiorentina in the second most interesting match on Sunday after Juve-Roma. However, more than the meeting with the viola di Montella, it is the fuss around Mazzarri that holds the court. Booed by the Inter fans themselves, the coach pointed his finger at the press. “Unfortunately some critics influence the people who go to the stadium – the thought of him. – But I'm not an actor, I'm not looking for choirs or applause. I just have to think about coaching but I wouldn't mind creating a climate where we are against everyone else."
First, however, he will have to think about beating Fiorentina, who are also struggling with the usual numerous absences. Montella recovered Cuadrado in extremis but has to give up Richards, in addition to the "usual" Rossi, Gomez, Joaquin and Marin. Some training problems also for Mazzarri, forced to give up Jonathan and Guarin, but for the rest they are all skilled and enrolled, including the bruised Kovacic and Dodò who will play from the first minute. Less glamorous match for Benitez's Napoli and perhaps for this reason even more dangerous.
In fact, the Azzurri will necessarily have to beat Turin to try and climb some positions in the standings, vice versa the last good results (two consecutive victories between the championship and the cup) would fall into oblivion. “We will have to play with heart and brain – explained Benitez in the press conference. – The team is doing well, they have found confidence and the right mentality. Taurus knows how to spin the ball well and wait for the right moment to strike, it will be a tough match”. The Spanish coach will try to win it relying on the usual top players, above all Callejon, Hamsik and Insigne behind Higuain. Heavy pair also for Ventura's grenade, intent on fielding Amauri and Quagliarella from the start.
