It wasn't an eve like any other. For Milan, which after Berlusconi's words are even more obliged to aim for third place, for Napoli, from which everyone is now asking for the much-needed leap in quality. This evening (20.45) San Siro will host a highly anticipated match between two teams which, albeit with objectively different squads, have the same goal: to return to the Champions League.
“I have been feeling this thrilling climate since July, we are Milan and we must always do well – minimized Inzaghi in the press conference. – The president knows our difficulties well, his words serve as a spur. What matters most to me is being able to get the most out of my players."
So far the goal has not succeeded, or at least not entirely. The beginning had been very promising, then came a decline in play and results that led Milan to win only one game in their last eight. “But the performances have never been lacking – defended the Rossoneri coach. – The problem is the results, now we have a very difficult match ahead of us. Napoli have the strongest attack in the league, they have lethal players and last year's challenge proves it. We know that the best Milan of the season will be needed to win, but I'm sure we'll see a team up to it."
It is useless to hide, a misstep could weigh heavily on the race for Europe. However, the same goes for the guests, forced again to chase third place after the home draw against Empoli. “The real opponent is us – Benitez thought. – If we do what we know how to do, we'll finish third, maybe even more... This team can grow further, it just needs to play at its level." In short, tonight's match is worth a lot for both of us. However, divided by three points in the standings, Milan and Napoli must also look at the Genoese, today engaged against Roma and Juventus. Based on the results (perhaps hoping that the title duelists do their duty) the points up for grabs at San Siro could be worth even more. Inzaghi has to give up on Van Ginkel, knocked out by an energetic intervention by Muntari ("but it wasn't a killer foul otherwise he would already be out of the squad" defended the coach), as well as the usual Abate, Alex and De Sciglio. The defense of Genoa will play in front of Diego Lopez, therefore Bonera, Rami, Mexes and Armero. In midfield space for Montolivo, De Jong and Muntari, with Bonaventura climbing up front together with Menez and El Shaarawy. Bench therefore for Honda but above all for Torres, increasingly at the center of market rumours.
"It's impossible for him to come back to us, there's no room for him in Chelsea" Mourinho said from London, while the English press talks of an interest from Liverpool. "He's fine here and we're happy with him" glossed over Inzaghi, but in the meantime the Spaniard is heading towards his third consecutive bench. "He's a player of the highest level, he can make the difference everywhere" defended Benitez, the manager who, between Liverpool and Chelsea, was able to value him the most. However, Rafa has to think about Napoli, who will take the field with the usual 4-2-3-1. In defense, in front of Rafael, space for Mesto, Albiol, Koulibaly and Ghoulam, Gargano and Jorginho will act in midfield. No doubts even in attack, where there will be the very titular Callejon, Hamsik, Mertens and Higuain. Tonight's will be the first confrontation between Inzaghi and Benitez as coaches, but the two know each other all too well. Rafa won the only Champions League of his career against Milan (Pippo was in the stands), the current Rossoneri coach avenged it all two years later with the famous brace in Athens. Tonight there is not a cup up for grabs but the right to participate. You can't ask for much more these days.
