In or out. The moment of truth has arrived for Inter and Napoli, the one in which, precisely, it is decided whether to continue the journey in the Champions League or not. Qualification for the round of 21 is within reach for both, provided however that the desired results are achieved: a win against Barcelona for the Nerazzurri (or in any case do the same for Borussia Dortmund against Slavia Prague), at least one point for the Azzurri against Genk (even a defeat would be fine if Salzburg didn't beat Liverpool). On paper, the most difficult match is that of Conte, forced to contend against Barça (XNUMX pm), in practice, however, Valverde is already qualified and sure of first place, which is why he has decided not to call up Messi, Piqué and Sergi Roberto. as well as leaving several big players on the bench.
In short, there couldn't be a better time to find the Blaugrana, especially in a packed San Siro as usual and ennobled by the record takings of 6,5 million. But Conte doesn't like this climate of great trust, evidently worried that his parents might take the commitment lightly, thus risking elimination as a joke.
“Messi or not Messi we are talking about one of the strongest teams in the world, with a squad of at least 20 players all up to par – thought the coach. – The serenity of first place can also be positive for them, sometimes the pressure weighs down their legs and creates problems. Better to think about us, to face the match in the right way: I told my parents that we shouldn't have any regrets or recriminations at the end of the match".
The Nerazzurri will have to grit their teeth and face Barça with their men numbered, especially as Asamoah stopped yesterday and Candreva too risks not making it. Conte will therefore confirm much of the 3-5-2 already seen with Roma, with Handanovic in goal, Godin, De Vrij and Skriniar in defense, D'Ambrosio, Vecino, Brozovic, Borja Valero and Biraghi in midfield, Lautaro Martinez and Lukaku in attack.
Valverde will instead choose a 4-3-3 full of second lines: in addition to the uncalled-up Messi, Piqué and Sergi Roberto and the injured Dembelé, Jordi Alba, Semedo and Arthur, Suarez, Ter Stegen, De Jong, Lenglet and Busquets will start from the bench . Neto will therefore go on the field between the posts, Wague, Umtiti, Todibo and Junior Firpo in the back department, Vidal, Rakitic and Alena in the midfield, Ansu Fati, Griezmann and Carles Perez in the offensive trident.
A match from inside or outside also for Napoli, called to solve the Genk case and take the round of 18.55 (XNUMX pm). The opponent himself would not present major pitfalls, were it not for the fact that the blue environment is in full storm, so much so that this, regardless of the result, could be Ancelotti's last match. In fact, De Laurentiis, after the defeat against Bologna and the draw in Udine, decided to move on and contact Gattuso, at the moment the great favorite to replace his master.
The rumors tell of an advanced negotiation, with Rino who would have given his assent on condition however that he did not work as a ferryman: in short, the feeling is that Carletto's adventure on the blue bench has come to an end, and this, we reiterate , regardless of how it will go to San Paolo.
“A coach's suitcase is always ready, you can never unpack it – admitted the person concerned at the press conference. – I think being questioned after certain results is normal, I've already experienced these things in other clubs. In any case, the exemption doesn't scare me, now I'm just thinking about the match: tomorrow, when it's over, I'll make my thoughts”.
The farewell air can be cut with a knife, yet Napoli have a foot and a half in the group of the best 16 in Europe: should they enter it completely, the parties will find themselves facing each other to talk to each other and decide what to do. But first we need to close the discussion Ancelotti is ready to do so relying on the usual 4-4-2 with Meret in goal, Di Lorenzo, Manolas, Koulibaly and Mario Rui in defence, Callejon, Allan, Zielinski and Fabian Ruiz in midfield, Lozano and Mertens in attack.
Wolf, already last and eliminated from both the Champions League and the Europa League, will attempt the coup with a 3-4-3 that will see Coucke in goal, Dewaest, Borges and Lukumì in the back, Maehle, Berge, Hrosovsky and Bongonda in the midfield , Ito, Samatta and Paintsil in the offensive trident.
