A night of champions. This is needed, now more than ever, for Inter and Napoli to give a signal of greatness to all of Europe and, above all, to continue to hope for qualification for the round of 21. The matches with Barcelona and PSG (both at XNUMX pm) can in fact direct their respective groups, as well as increase self-esteem and consistency, provided obviously that they come out with two positive results.
Here, however, the necessary distinctions must be made: if a draw would be enough for Spalletti's Nerazzurri, it would be better for Ancelotti's Azzurri to win, otherwise the games would be postponed to the final night at Anfield against Liverpool. In short, the hot spots are at the San Paolo but San Siro is also waiting for confirmations: because the great progress in the league exalts but the Champions League, you know, is something else.
“It's an opportunity to see if we can compete on equal terms with anyone – Spalletti said in the press conference. – It is undoubtedly the most difficult challenge that can be faced in the world of football, but the important thing is not to be presumptuous. Qualification is still to be decided, very difficult matches await us”. On paper, in fact, it is like this: Tottenham, their next opponent at Wembley, can still attempt a comeback against Inter.
A positive result tonight would close all talks, which is why the Nerazzurri, galvanized by a packed San Siro, want to at least try to reach him. Spalletti has decided to face Barça with the usual 4-2-3-1 with Handanovic in goal, Vrsaljko, De Vrij, Skriniar and Asamoah in defence, Vecino and Brozovic in midfield, Politano, Nainggolan and Perisic behind the lone striker Icardi. Only one doubt for Valverde but a big one: Messi yes or Messi no?
"He could be available but we want to be careful" glossed over the Blaugrana coach, evidently undecided on what to do. The feeling is that Pulce won't risk it and that his presence serves more than anything else as a bogeyman for Inter and its fans. Everything else was decided, therefore 4-3-3 with Ter Stegen in goal, Sergi Roberto, Piqué, Lenglet and Jordi Alba in the back, Rakitic, Busquets and Arthur in the midfield, Rafinha, Suarez and Coutinho in attack.
Night for strong hearts that of San Siro, just like that of San Paolo. Napoli receives PSG with the aim of winning to go +4 in the standings, a result which, if achieved, would guarantee a sort of match point in the next home match against Red Star. Wonderful scenario but everything to be built: to get there, in fact, you need the company against Neymar and his companions. Something possible, at least considering the first leg match two weeks ago when Napoli, in Paris, made such a great impression that they left feeling sorry for the draw.
“But this will be another match – Ancelotti glossed over – We know it will be difficult but we will have the San Paolo on our side, we will have to drag the crowd along with a great performance. In any case, we won't make calculations, a draw doesn't suit us because the big teams only play to win."
In short, no awe, after all, the Azzurri have already shown that they can play it at least on equal terms. Ancelotti will field the best possible 4-4-2 with Ospina in goal, Maksimovic, Albiol, Koulibaly and Mario Rui in defense, Callejon, Allan, Hamsik and Zielinski in midfield, Mertens and Insigne in attack.
Typical formation also for Tuchel, who will respond with the usual 4-3-3 with Buffon between the posts (return to the Champions League after his disqualification), Meunier, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos and Bernat in the back department, Draxler, Verratti and Rabiot in midfielder, Mbappé, Neymar and Di Maria in the offensive trident.
So only bench for Cavani, whose agent, perhaps not surprisingly, hasn't ruled out the rumors of a possible return to the Azzurri in the near future. Music to the ears of the Neapolitans but only starting tomorrow: because tonight the Matador will only be an opponent to beat.
