Harvest time. For Juventus, who hope to start a real collection of titles today and for Lazio, author of a beautiful season that could become even splendid.
The Coppa Italia final (at 21 pm), initially scheduled for 2 June but brought forward due to the well-known black and white commitments, pits two of the most convincing teams of the season against each other: Allegri's, still in the running for the Treble, and Inzaghi's, started quietly but transformed, along the way, into a solid reality. On paper, as always, Juventus would appear to be the favorites but the finals, as we know, greatly reduce the technical gap, especially if you play in the stadium of the "weaker" side.
"After Sunday's defeat we have no more time to lose - Allegri's speech - It's not the time to think about the Treble but to start winning yes, this is a final and we want to reap the fruits of our work".
Usual pragmatism for the Juventus coach, who is hoping for a much better evening in Rome than the last one. Sunday's knockout, although absolutely remediable, has nonetheless left a bitter taste in an environment that hoped to celebrate the Scudetto and which instead, Crotone permitting, will have to postpone the party until next Sunday.
"This year's history tells us that we have always managed the advantage and gap from our pursuers - explained Chiellini - Luckily we were good before, but it is clear that now we all want to start winning".
Same spirit, ça va sans dire, at Lazio, where despite the inevitable role of outsiders, many are hoping for a coup. “We know we will have to play the perfect match but we are ready to play it in the best possible way – commented Inzaghi – I asked my parents to have a clear mind and the usual humility, on paper Juve are the favorites but it is a one-off match and therefore anything can happen”.
Raising the Cup would have a particular meaning especially for him, who sat down on the Biancoceleste bench almost by chance (initially he was destined for Salernitana, with Bielsa in his place) and instead became the absolute protagonist of his team's ride. "The season had started badly but thanks to the coach we got this far - praised Biglia - Winning would be really nice, we don't start as favorites but we want to believe in it until the end".
Training chapter. Some problems for Massimiliano Allegri, who has to deal with the aches and pains of Dybala and Mandzukic: nothing serious, God forbid, so it is reasonable to expect them both on the pitch from the first minute. Surely absent the suspended Pjanic, who will force the coach to switch from 4-2-3-1 to 3-4-2-1 with Neto in goal, Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini in defence, Dani Alves, Rincon, Marchisio and Alex Sandro in midfield, Dybala and Mandzukic behind Higuain.
All available (except long-term patient Marchetti) instead for Inzaghi, who will try to climb the black and white mountain with a 3-5-2 that will see Strakosha between the posts, Bastos, De Vrij and Wallace in the back department, Basta, Parolo, Biglia, Milinkovic-Savic and Lulic in the midfield, Keita and Immobile in attack.
Olympic completely sold out and ready to give a "show within the show", with the Curva Nord of Lazio preparing a mega choreography and the numerous Juventus fans to respond in kind. Because the time for jokes is over while the time for trophies has just begun.
