Hold on to a dream. The Italians involved in the Europa League are preparing to experience an evening of great passion, one that could go down in history. To drop poker in the quarter-finals, real feats will be needed: on the other hand, the road to glory cannot be simple. The thermometer will begin to rise at 18pm, when Napoli will take to the Khimki Arena to face Dinamo Moscow. On paper it's the simplest commitment, partly due to the 3-1 in the first leg, partly due to the technical gap between the two teams, definitely the prerogative of the Azzurri. However, they don't have reliability as their main attribute, as demonstrated several times during the season: that's why, against the Russians, we'll have to keep our eyes peeled.
“We'll have to play an intelligent match, the first leg victory shouldn't change our attitude – explained Benitez. – The team is loaded, we are all united and I have full control of the situation. We are in the running on three fronts, we will do everything to win every game." It is no coincidence that the Spaniard, unlike what was done in Verona last Sunday, will field the best formation, with Callejon, Hamsik and Gabbiadini behind Higuain.
But let's get to the hottest, indeed hot, matches. At 19 it will be time for the "derby" between Rome and Fiorentina, an inside or outside match that will start again from the 1-1 draw of the first leg. The stakes are high for everyone but, at the moment, whoever plays the most is certainly Garcia. In fact, the Giallorossi are going through the most difficult period of managing him, not surprisingly, for the first time since he arrived in Italy, even his bench is shaking dangerously. “I take the blame for everything, just leave the players alone – growled the Frenchman. – It seems that we are out of everything, but it is not so. We will do our best to beat Fiorentina, the sun always comes out after the rain."
To dispel the Olympic taboo, the best Roma will be needed, therefore space for the trident Ljajic-Totti-Gervinho with Iturbe ready to take over from the bench. “Watch out for the Giallorossi, I fear their pride – warned Montella. – It will be a difficult match, between two teams that know each other well. But woe to us if we let ourselves be influenced by their situation”. The Viola are better off from all points of view but, considering the result of the first leg, they start as underdogs. In fact, the 1-1 draw by the Franchi will force them to play to win, or at least to score. Montella has recovered Mario Gomez but, at least initially, will rely on the duo Salah-Babacar, fresh and rested after the bench (for both) the other night.
At 21.05 it will be time for comebacks. Or at least this is what Inter and Turin hope for, called to real feats against Wolfsburg and Zenit. The nerazzurri have to overturn the 3-1 of the first leg, the grenades a 0-2: very difficult missions, but not impossible. “I believe in it a lot, as long as there's hope you always have to try – Mancini's speech. – Winning 2-0 is not impossible, I also told the boys. Inter's history is full of comebacks, and then it would be nice to give the fans a great night of football. We will have to be good at defending and attacking, and then, of course, have good luck on our side." He appeals to all the Nerazzurri coach, aware that a season will be decided tonight.
The only chance to go to the Champions League passes through the Europa League, which is why even Thohir, from Indonesia, wanted to charge the environment with proclamations. To attempt the feat, Mancio has called everyone together, even the injured Shaqiri who, despite his muscle problems, will sit on the bench ready to lend a hand in case of need. The initial 4-3-1-2 will see Carrizo in goal (confirmed despite the first leg mistakes), D'Ambrosio, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus and Santon in defense, Guarin, Medel and Kuzmanovic in midfield, Kovacic in the frontline, Palacio and Icardi in attack.
A lot of energy also in Turin, where the company, in some ways, is even more difficult. Zenit are technically superior and have more international experience. Put like this it would seem almost impossible, yet the grenades believe it all right. “We are the Bull, not just any team – the words of Ventura. – We have to throw our heart over the obstacle, I am convinced that we can go through. For me we have a 40% chance, and then there will be the grenade people to push us ”. The Olimpico promises battle: tickets sold out for days and season box office records. On the pitch it will be up to the Quagliarella-Maxi Lopez duo to get the better of the Hulk and his companions.
A great night of football to keep dreaming. And show Europe that the exploit of the previous round was not just a beautiful mistake.
