Getting up so as not to sink into oblivion, keep running so as not to stop dreaming. Completely different approaches for Lazio and Juventus, the first to take the field on this 15th day in a stew format. The incredible thing is that the scenarios, compared to a few weeks ago, have almost completely reversed, testifying to how football can be splendid and cruel at the same time. Today it is Lazio that looks at the abyss a few meters from the face while Juve, given up for dead by the majority of insiders, represents the real loose cannon of a championship without a real master and for this reason within its reach.
The advance of the Olimpico (20.45 pm) could sanction the official return of Allegri in the championship race, but also the end of the Pioli era: this is why neither of the two can afford to lose him. “In football, when there are no results, the manager is primarily responsible – the Lazio coach's bitter comment. – I can't control the rumors about me, at most influence them. I have to work well and put the team in a position to achieve results”.
No bluffing typical of press conferences but a sincere admission of reality: no missteps are allowed to keep the bench. Conversely, Marcello Lippi or Christian Brocchi would be ready, very different solutions but both appreciated by Lotito. Pioli, without victories since October 25 (since then 4 defeats and 1 draw), will rely on the 4-2-3-1 already seen in the Europa League, a stage in which things are going much better.
In defense, in front of Marchetti, there will be Basta, Mauricio, Gentiletti and Radu, in midfield Biglia and Parolo, in the trocar Candreva, Milinkovic and Kishna, in attack Klose. Only bench therefore for Felipe Anderson and Djordjevic, demonstrating a really difficult moment for the biancocelesti. Allegri doesn't have these problems, whose performance (especially in the Champions League) has certainly not escaped the notice of most. The English press (and not only) even associates him with Manchester United: he smiles, perhaps also because he thinks about all the criticisms that have rained down on him in recent months.
"I have a contract with Juventus until 2017 and a project to carry on" was the answer given yesterday in the press room, before focusing on today's match. “It will be complicated because Lazio need redemption – he explained. – We want to keep winning and move up the standings even if it doesn't make sense to think too far. At the moment we have the possibility of grabbing fourth place, that must be our goal”.
The idea of reaching Rome, albeit momentarily, teases a lot but this will only be possible by winning. Allegri will field the best formation, obviously net of injuries (Pereyra, Khedira, Hernanes, Caceres) and suspensions (Pogba). Obviously it is the Frenchman's absence that is most worrying: in fact, Juventus have never done without him this season. The favorite to replace him is Asamoah, available again after the progress of the last few weeks, but Padoin and Lemina also have some chance.
Unusual ballot, unlike the other that has recently become a must: Morata or Mandzukic? This time the Spaniard seems to have the advantage but the Croatian is fine and will fight for his place until the last minute. For the rest, the usual 3-5-2 with Buffon in goal, Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini in defense, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Marchisio and Alex Sandro in midfield, Dybala in attack.
The advance, arranged some time ago for the imminent final round of cups, risked being a nuisance before the matches in Seville (Tuesday) and Saint Etienne (Thursday), instead it will be the highlight for both teams. Because if the most is done in Europe (even if Juve still have a first place to conquer) this is not the case in the league, where slowing down is no longer possible.
