The train to Europe stays away. In fact, the 1-1 draw at San Siro only satisfies Sampdoria, who put a good gap between their sixth place and all their pursuers. Milan remain at minus 7, also behind Turin and at the risk of overtaking by Genoa. If the rossoblu were to win the added time against Parma on Wednesday, Inzaghi's men would go into the derby in ninth position, with only two points ahead of Inter. Most likely the derby of Milan will only be valid for territorial supremacy: it is difficult, if not impossible, for the Madonnina teams to undermine the European area. The postponement of the 30th season gave the Rossoneri a wonderful opportunity, that of moving to just four points behind Sampdoria.
For their part, the blucerchiati had two results available: the victory would have fueled the dreams of the Champions League, the draw cemented the Europa League placement. The result was a tactical and balanced match, in which Milan tried to impose their game and Sampdoria to control it, to then exploit the weapon of counterattacks. In all of this, the Rossoneri's difficulties in playing football emerged: the supremacy in ball possession (54%) and in shooting (7-3 on goal, 11-5 away) are fine, but the slow maneuver and lack of teamwork prevented to collect the loot. Europe thus remains very far away just like Inzaghi's confirmation, now more than ever hanging by a thread.
“We created a lot, we deserved to win – his analysis immediately after the match. – More precision in the conclusions would have been needed but today the negative is only the result, not the performance. We don't have to look at the standings, when you have to play 12 finals it's clear that one could go wrong for you...". There is no doubt that the team is growing (slightly) but it is clear that much more would be needed to climb the standings. Milan, on the other hand, showed their usual limits and so, after a good first half (occasions for Van Ginkel and Cerci), they found themselves down by a goal: a splendid assist from Eto'o (already dangerous in the first half) for Soriano and 1 -0 Sam (58').
At that point Inzaghi went all out: out with the confusing Cerci, in with the enfant prodige Suso. However, the draw came by chance, moreover on one of Milan's weaknesses and Sampdoria's strengths: set pieces. In the 74th minute De Jong, following the development of a corner, kicked in a semi-reverse kick finding the decisive deflection from Duncan, for the Rossoneri 1-1. The final saw the forcing of Inzaghi's men, in an attempt to seize that victory that would have been fundamental.
The best opportunity in the 83rd minute: Suso's left foot and Viviano hit the post. And so the match finished 1-1, perhaps a tight result for Milan but very welcome to Sampdoria. Who can now dream of Europe with greater concreteness, precisely at the expense of the Rossoneri. Whose continental ambitions hang only on mathematics.
