Who to embellish the season, who to save it or at least try to make sense of it. Gone are the days when Milan and Juventus snubbed the Coppa Italia, committed as they were to facing each other in finals of a very different level. But 13 years after Manchester, things have definitely changed: the Rossoneri and Bianconeri no longer play the Champions League, yet the atmosphere is one of great occasions. It goes without saying that the teams arrive at the Roman event in a different, not to say opposite, way
. Juve, fresh winners of the scudetto, are aiming for the trophy to make their season even better, while Milan, back from a disappointing seventh place, crave it as the last lifeline left in circulation.
On paper it wouldn't really seem like there was a match but in football, you know, it's better not to take anything for granted. “The finals are straight matches, anything can happen – confirmed Allegri. – Milan have the last chance to enter Europe, we will face a very different team from the one in the championship. Furthermore, this year he has put us in difficulty both on the first leg and on the second leg, it will be a very balanced match”.
Respect for the opponent or simple superstition? A bit of both: the Juventus coach doesn't like the role of favorite regardless, aware that in football hunger often makes the difference. On the other hand, however, there is a Milan at an all-time low, fresh from a defeat against Roma which has exposed all its technical and psychological limits. The black and white week passed in the name of serenity, the red and black one instead was a real powder keg, with Brocchi protagonist of outbursts (more media than actual) anything but usual.
“I saw something different in the eyes of the boys but this time I won't be fooled anymore – the coach thought. – I want them to show me ferocity and hunger to win on the field, I expect everyone to give 110%. A victory would give us great satisfaction but it wouldn't make our path positive, there were problems and they wouldn't be canceled in one fell swoop".
Brocchi is aware of Juventus' superiority, yet in his heart he seems to believe in the coup. For the first time since his arrival, he will set aside the "presidential" 4-3-1-2 to switch to a more logical and balanced 4-3-3, destined to transform into a 4-5-1 in the non-possession phase. In front of Donnarumma there will be De Sciglio, Zapata, Romagnoli and Calabria, in midfield line 3 Kucka-Montolivo-José Mauri, in support of the offensive trident made up of Honda, Bacca and Bonaventura.
Allegri, forced to give up the suspended Bonucci and the injured Marchisio and Khedira, will respond with the classic 3-5-2: Neto in goal (in the Coppa Italia it's always been his turn), Rugani, Barzagli and Chiellini in defense, Lichtsteiner, Asamoah , Hernanes, Pogba and Evra in the midfield, Dybala and Mandzukic in attack. The teams, received yesterday by Pope Francis in the Vatican, will be supported by 60 fans, ready to pour into the capital to color the Olimpico with their flags. A perfect scenario for a final, just like 13 years ago: and never mind if today, compared to then, the Champions League isn't up for grabs.
