Three points to start the new year in the best possible way and, above all, relaunch their respective goals in the standings. Inter and Milan are almost forced to beat Empoli and Bologna, or else start 2016 in the midst of a sea of controversy. The Nerazzurri want to erase the pre-Christmas defeat against Lazio, the only bonus available in order not to lose the championship lead: a misstep at the Castellani (18 pm) would seriously risk compromising it.
“This is never an easy time to play and Empoli are an excellent team, they are showing excellent things – commented Mancini. – It's normal to feel a bit of pressure, the important thing is to stay in the upper area and then see what to do at the end. Until today we have deserved the position we occupy, we must continue like this ".
The test is indeed complicated and not only because it is the first after the break: Giampaolo's men are in fact among those who play the best football in Italy, as evidenced by the eighth place in the standings. But Inter can't afford any more slip-ups and are called upon to do what, up to now, they have succeeded better than anyone else: score away points. Mancini will try with his usual method, that mix of turnover and pre-tactics which has brought excellent results.
"Handanovic (fresh from his contract renewal until 2019, ed), Miranda, Murillo, Medel and Ljajic are playing" the coach glossed over the usual question about the formation, for the rest no certainty but many ballots. In the Nerazzurri 4-3-3, in addition to the players revealed in the conference, D'Ambrosio and Telles should play on the wings, Brozovic and Kondogbia in midfield, Icardi and Perisic in attack.
The doubts concern Guarin and Jovetic, who are currently slightly behind the Croatians Brozovic and Perisic, all with Felipe Melo serving the first of the three-match ban (Inter have withdrawn the appeal). Giampaolo will respond with the usual 4-3-1-2: Skorupski in goal, Laurini, Barba, Costa and Rui in defence, Zielinski, Paredes and Buchel in midfield, Saponara in the trocar behind the attacking duo Pucciarelli-Maccarone.
An obligatory victory also for Milan, totally unable to miss the match against Bologna. Three points will have to come out of San Siro (15 pm), without ifs and buts, otherwise Mihajlovic's position, saved only by the success in Frosinone, would once again be in the balance. "A lion doesn't lose sleep over a sheep, a lion eats it" was the coach's reply to those who asked him if he was afraid of being exonerated, testifying to a great character but also to a situation that was anything but idyllic.
“We have three fundamental matches against Bologna, Roma and Carpi in the Italian Cup – continued Mihajlovic. – If we manage to do them well, the turning point will come and we will be able to start the second round with more energy. Otherwise you risk agony”. No beating about the bush to describe the importance of the moment: the 28 points in the standings (7 less than Napoli and Fiorentina) still authorize dreams of Europe, provided, however, that no more mistakes are made. Opposite will be Bologna regenerated by Donadoni's care, moreover eager to make a good impression in what was his stadium as a player.
“I envy him especially the aplomb on the bench, I'm not able to stay calm – commented Sinisa. – It is undeniable that he has made him make a big leap in quality, they are doing well and will want to erase the defeat against Empoli. We'll have to be very careful, as I've already said, this could be a fundamental game."
Milan will try to win it relying on Frosinone's men, with the exception of the disqualified Romagnoli. In defense, in front of Donnarumma, it will therefore be the turn of the central duo Alex-Mexes, with Abate and De Sciglio on the wings. In midfield space for the Bertolacci-Montolivo duo, with Honda on the right (Cerci is now one step away from saying goodbye and Boateng, although called up, not yet ready) and the untouchable Bonaventura on the left.
In attack, very confirmed Bacca and Niang, the latter now preferred on a permanent basis to Luiz Adriano. Donadoni will look for the coup with the usual 4-3-3: Mirante between the posts, Rossettini, Oikonomou, Gastaldello and Masina in defense, Donsah, Diawara and Taider in midfield, Mounier, Destro (formerly with the poisoned tooth) and Giaccarini in attack.
