Europe, last call. The announcement applies above all to the Milanese but the speech, in a certain sense, could also concern Rome. Everyone has to win, there's no doubt about that: Rossoneri and Nerazzurri for lEuropa League, the giallorossi for the champions. And so Udinese-Milan (18 pm) e Inter-Roma (20.45) will give us a thrilling Saturday, effectively opening the crucial week of the championship. In fact, between Tuesday and next Thursday we will have the midweek, then the classic football weekend: three rounds in a few days, which in all probability will definitively direct the ranking. “The match in Udine is fundamental, like all the rest – admitted Inzaghi in the press conference. – Lately we've been doing well, now we have to give continuity. This victory would be really important, for points and morale."
The Rossoneri coach believes it, after all a large part of Europe (and, consequently, of its future) passes from this day. To clear the Friuli of his friend Stramaccioni will need a Milan concentrated, cynical and courageous, much more, in short, than the one seen in the derby. “It's time to file it away – glossed over Inzaghi. – It was balanced, we wanted to win it but there were also our opponents”. Superpippo will confirm a large part of that formation, albeit with some significant modifications. In defence Paletta will replace the injured Alex, thus recomposing the line of the previous races with Abate, Mexes and Antonelli. Bonaventura will return to midfield (Poli on the bench) together with De Jong and Van Ginkel, while in attack, in addition to the returning Destro and the untouchable Menez, there is a run-off between Suso (favourite) and Honda. Stramaccioni will reply with a 4-2-3-1 in which Di Natale will be the only striker, with Kone to support.
At 20.45 it will be time for the big match. In spite of the differences in classification, in fact, Inter-Roma it always retains its charm, especially if it puts heavy points up for grabs. The Nerazzurri, also tenth behind their Rossoneri cousins, are playing the last chances of the Europa League, the Giallorossi, in addition to the head to head with Lazio (engaged tomorrow against Chievo), they have to think about Napoli, who is back dangerous at minus 5. “We are entering the decisive phase of the championship, there is no more time to lose – explained Garcia. – Before the draw with Atalanta we had good matches, I liked the team. I want to see that spirit again, the attitude of someone who goes out on the field to win without fear”.
The French coach has no other choice, he must necessarily find victory again. He will try despite the usual heavy absences (Maicon and the suspended Astori), although the infirmary has emptied of fundamental elements such as Pjanic and Gervinho. The Bosnian should start from the bench, while the Ivorian is ready to take the field from the start together with Totti and Florenzi.
“For years it was a Scudetto match, now it's not like that but winning would be very important for Europe – Mancini's analysis. – It's clear that it won't just depend on us, we have many teams ahead of us. As long as there is hope, we will try, without however forgetting the value of Roma: his squad, even if it has had a decline, is not discussed ”. Only one absence for the coach from Jesi, but a heavy one: Medel, booked in the derby, will be disqualified. Instead of him we will see each other again young Gnoukouri, promoted against Milan and therefore awaited by a new important chance, this time joined by the returning Brozovic and Guarin.
For the rest of the training confirmed, with D'Ambrosio, Ranocchia, Vidic and Juan Jesus in defense, Hernanes in the frontline and the Icardi-Palacio duo in attack. So again on the bench for Shaqiri, who went from untouchable to reserve in the space of three months. “A case is being created that does not exist – denied Mancini. – It can happen to everyone to drop in condition but he has my total confidence: we bought him because we believe he can have a great future with us ”. When at Inter, we will probably see many new faces, some of them important. Almost everything, however, passes through Europe, therefore from this Saturday. And that goes for everyone.
