And now it's up to Juventus and Rome. After the chiaroscuro debuts of Inter and Napoli, the time has come to experience first-hand the consistency of the black and whites and the yellow and reds, even if the expectations are objectively different. If it is true that Di Francesco made it to the semi-finals, it is equally true that Allegri sets off to win the cup and that, like never before, he has the chance to succeed. And then today's opponents are not comparable, except for the fact that they are both Spanish: on the one hand, Marcelino's “normal” Valencia, on the other, reigning European tri-champions Real Madrid.
“We are among the 4-5 favorites to win the Champions League – admitted Allegri in no uncertain terms – A lot of our tournament, however, depends on this match, playing in Valencia is always difficult and then Mestalla is one of those stadiums capable of igniting matches alone. In any case, let's take it one step at a time, this is such a strange cup that the episodes can be even more decisive".
The Champions League fever is very high but the eve was inevitably marked by the Douglas Costa affair, disqualified by the Sports Judge for 4 days. "I'm sorry because it wasn't a good example but he was the first to be destroyed", commented the Juventus coach, suggesting that the sanctions will not be limited to disqualification.
Today, however, we need to go back to thinking about the pitch and therefore about the challenge of Mestalla, which Allegri will face with a 4-3-3 with Szczesny in goal, Cancelo, Bonucci, Chiellini and Alex Sandro in defence, Khedira, Pjanic and Matuidi in midfield, Bernardeschi , Mandzukic and Ronaldo in attack.
Classic 4-4-2 instead for Marcelino, who will respond with the ex Neto in goal, Gaya, Gabriel Paulista, Diakhaby and Piccini in the back, Guedes, Cheryshev, Parejo and Soler in the midfield behind the offensive duo Rodrigo-Gameiro .
But the challenges between Italy and Spain, as previously mentioned, will not be limited to Valencia-Juve: in fact, an even more fascinating match between Real Madrid and Rome will take place at the Bernabeu. On paper, let's face it right away, there doesn't seem to be a match and the reason, unfortunately, lies more in the Giallorossi's difficulties than in the blancos qualities. In fact, the European champions appear weaker than in previous years but Di Francesco's team is also a distant relative of the one which, just four months ago, came close to reaching the Champions League final.
“I hope to see an angry team, who wants to play a vigorous game from all points of view – explained the coach – They are very strong even without Ronaldo and Zidane, they are always hungry for victory, however we must go back to doing different performances, with greater conviction and determination”.
Roma want the feat and to do so they will try to play it with a 4-3-3 with Olsen in goal, Florenzi, Manolas, Fazio and Kolarov in defence, Cristante, Nzonzi and De Rossi in midfield, Under, Dzeko and El Shaarawy in attack.
The same game system also for Lopetegui, who will respond with Courtois in goal, Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Varane and Marcelo in the back, Modric, Casemiro and Kroos in the midfield, Isco, Benzema and Bale in the offensive trident.
