An insatiable Juventus. Despite Madrid's efforts, the large turnover and the imminent Italian Cup final, the Lady also clears the San Siro, giving yet another joy of the season to her fans. Late night instead for Inter whose European dreams remain alive only thanks to Sampdoria, defeated by Lazio and therefore still within reach, although clearly favored given the only two matches available.
The black and white reserves beat the Nerazzurri starters and this, regardless of the difficulties of a cursed year, is something sensational. “San Siro is too heavy a stadium for some of my players – explained Mancini disconsolately. – They play lightly away, but suffer at home. We will need signings that help us grow, we threw this match away”. So much discouragement for the coach from Jesi who sees, for the umpteenth time, the connection to that sixth place which, if nothing else, would guarantee his presence in the European cups. Totally opposite climate at Juve, where the interpreters change but not the results. “We have shown that we are a great group – commented Allegri with satisfaction. – All those who usually play less have responded well, this is very important because it gives us further confidence”.
An entertaining game at San Siro, much more closely contested than one might think on the eve. Meanwhile, because Allegri, while leaving people like Buffon, Pirlo, Vidal and Tevez at home, lines up Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Marchisio and Morata: not Juve like, all right, but not even the Primavera... And then the Lady's hunger is endless, especially if you play at San Siro against Inter, in a match which, history in hand, is always worth something regardless of the standings.
However, the Nerazzurri got off to a better start, taking the lead in the 9th minute through Icardi, who was lucky to deflect Brozovic's shot into Storari's goal. Inter are energized, motivated and could close it in the first half but Shaqiri hits the crossbar and referee Doveri disallows Brozovic's goal for an offside which, given the replays, doesn't exist. Just enough time to reverse the action and Juve equalized: Medel missed a back pass sending Matri on goal, a desperate attempt by Vidic who however provoked the penalty. Marchisio is not impressed by Handanovic's skills and coldly displaces him (42'). In the second half, the script didn't change, with Inter playing the game and Juve waiting slyly, without giving up offensive sorties. And in the 84th minute here's the joke: Morata's shot from the edge, Handanovic's duck and 1-2 for the bianconeri.
Today, however, it will be the turn of Milan, the first team to open the dances of this football Sunday. In fact, against Sassuolo it will be a lunch match (at 12.30): no starting point for the standings (the Emilians are already safe and the Rossoneri are out of Europe) and, precisely for this reason, goals and fun are expected. “We want to win at all costs – replied Inzaghi in an unedited press conference in Milan's central station. – We have to start over from what we did with Roma and show that it wasn't just a case.
The team wants to play a good match, the players know that this shirt must be kept close to." Warning to seafarers loud and clear, on the other hand these matches with nothing at stake are mainly about showing off. The same goes for the coach, whose future at the Rossoneri is far from certain. “You say this – replied the person concerned. – I always talk to Berlusconi and Galliani, I have their trust and a contract. If they then make different assessments, I will respect them, as always". Words facilitated by the "distraction" of the president, engaged in the now well-known corporate events. "There is not just one negotiation but several – the president reiterated on the microphones of Tg Norba 24. – I am looking for a partner who can help me relaunch the club, if I don't find him, I will". In any case, it is difficult to start again from Inzaghi. That today he will seek victory against that Sassuolo who, in January 2014, sought him out to offer him the bench.
The Rossoneri will be without Menez (another two-match suspension for him) and Cerci but will recover El Shaarawy, who is once again able and eligible for recruitment. The Pharaoh will go on the bench, ready to take over in the final part of the match. Inzaghi's 4-3-3 will see Diego Lopez in goal, Abate, Mexes, Paletta and Bocchetti in defense, Poli, De Jong and Van Ginkel in midfield, Honda, Destro and Bonaventura in attack. Di Francesco, on whom market rumors continue (he would appear to be Montella's possible successor in Florence), will respond with the same form and the usual trident (Berardi-Zaza-Sansone), already decisive in the first leg.
