A challenge to grow up. Milan and Lazio (at 20.45) will open the midweek round at San Siro, with the aim of winning and consolidating their respective rankings. The successes against Sampdoria and Pescara have brought back a minimum of enthusiasm in two rather depressed squares, but now neither can afford a misstep. In fact, anyone who were to stop would find themselves grappling with the problems they had before, vice versa a victory would create the foundations for trying to grow seriously.
“A month ago I wouldn't have signed for 6 points in 4 games – acknowledged Montella. – But now let's try to proceed with conviction, my project has been embraced by the company. Then everything depends on whether you want short-term or long-term results, we are working to get answers later on”.
The coach prefers not to promise anything but in his heart he knows how 3 points could strengthen the project. However, Lazio will face a determined and determined to take the top of the standings, albeit with one game less. Far from easy opponent, yet the Rossoneri just can't make discounts.
“It's a growing team, they've been working together for many years and this is undoubtedly an advantage – explained the coach. – They know how to adapt very well to others and are very strong on set pieces. For me it's a bit like a derby, it's always fun to play against it”.
Tonight we will see if there will be laughter or not. Montella seems oriented to rotate the starting eleven a bit in all departments, starting with the defence. In front of the untouchable Donnarumma there will be De Sciglio, Paletta, Romagnoli and Calabria, with Abate destined for the bench to catch his breath. The big news, however, should arrive in midfield: Montolivo, highly criticized by the press and fans, seriously risks being out.
In his place, space for the young Locatelli (who had already taken over in Genoa), with the returning Kucka and Principito Sosa at his sides. It's more difficult to change something in attack, if only because of the few alternatives available: the only full-backs, in fact, are Suso and Niang and it's unlikely to be deprived of one of them, at least at this stage. The same goes for Bacca, new owner after the great performance of Marassi: Lapadula, however positive, can go back to watching from the bench.
“We will need a good match, I expect an intense, difficult evening that we will have to interpret in the best possible way – thought Simone Inzaghi. – I am very satisfied with this start, we only lost against Juve and even there we didn't deserve the defeat. In my opinion, we still have important growth margins”.
His Lazio seems to have found a very precise physiognomy, but will once again be forced to do without Biglia, struggling with the usual physical problems. The 3-5-2 biancoceleste will see Marchetti in goal, Bastos, De Vrij and Radu in defense, Basta, Parolo, Cataldi, Milinkovic-Savic and Lulic in midfield, Immobile and Keita in attack.
