A title night. Rome opens the doors to Fiorentina and Naples, for the 64th Coppa Italia final in history. But there is much more at stake than a trophy that has come back into vogue after years of anonymity: the two contenders, received yesterday in the Vatican by Pope Francis, are playing for the meaning of an entire season. Neither Montella nor Benitez want to admit it, but in case of defeat the vintage would have a decidedly bitter taste for both.
“It won't be a springboard but neither will it be the beginning of a cycle that has been going on for two years – explained the Viola coach. – It's a final, anything can happen. I feel the pressure of waiting, with the enthusiasm of a city that has accompanied us for days. A possible victory could change the superficial judgment on a season which for me would still be positive”. “The year will remain good in any case – echoed the Napoli coach. – Playing in a final is always difficult, both we and they like to play football, so it will be a good game. There isn't a favourite, the team with the most determination, quality and luck will win”. He refuses the role of favorite Rafa Benitez, but the facts say that it is.
Napoli, ahead of the Viola in the standings by 8 points, is almost obliged to win this cup. Pressure from the square imposes it, decidedly higher than Fiorentina, but also and above all the over 100 million spent in the transfer market, which would go a long way out of place in a season with zero titles. And then, not least, the Azzurri are physically better. Benitez has also recovered Higuain and will thus be able to deploy the typical formation, indeed he will be struggling with the usual uncomfortable choices due to abundance.
Conversely Montella, harassed by injuries throughout the season, will have to rely on numerous players in precarious conditions, at least according to rumors on the eve. And then, in addition to the long-term patient Gomez, Cuadrado will also be missing, disqualified due to a silly yellow card remedied in the semifinal. The biggest doubt concerns Neto, who also trained separately yesterday: if he doesn't make it, it will be Rosati's turn. There will instead be Gonzalo Rodriguez and Borja Valero, as well as Giuseppe Rossi, on his first call-up after his injury in January. Montella should rely on a 4-3-1-2 with Neto (or Rosati) in goal, Tomovic, Rodriguez, Savic and Vargas in defense, Aquilani, Pizarro and Borja Valero in midfield, Ilicic in the frontline, Joaquin and Matri in attack.
Benitez instead will opt for the usual 4-2-3-1 with Reina in goal, Henrique, Fernandez, Albiol and Ghoulam in defense, Inler and Jorginho in midfield, Callejon, Hamsik and Mertens (or Insigne) in the backs, Higuain in attack. Kick-off at 21, in an incredibly crowded Olympic stadium. There is indeed a cup up for grabs, but also, if not above all, the vote for an entire season.
