Looking for confirmations. After the disappointing draw against Carpi, Milan tries to find a smile again in Verona (17 pm), in the hope that the result and performance will be much more convincing. There are important points at stake to defend sixth place (Sassuolo are back to minus 1) but also, if not above all, the position of Cristian Brocchi, fatally linked to play and results.
“Players can do much more – explained the coach at the press conference. – Something from the point of view of ball possession has been seen, however sterile it may have been. However, if we don't start playing understanding that we can control the matches we won't be able to get to the next step, after all it's normal to be like this: we've worked too little together, we still need time".
But patience, as we know, is not really Berlusconi's main talent, which is why today, against a Verona bottom in the standings and almost relegated, mistakes are not allowed. Milan will try to lead the game like against Carpi but without making the same mistakes: barren and imprecise ball possession, shots on goal with a dropper.
“Every single player must have the flame lit and want to be the protagonist – continued Brocchi. – I am of the opinion that this flame exists but we have not been able to make it one big fire. We've worked a lot these days, the idea is to start the match with great aggression to immediately give a signal to the opponents”.
Compared to Thursday there will be several changes and not only due to the inadequacy of the performance. Bonaventura and Bertolacci are injured, Alex and Balotelli disqualified: the Brocchi project, in short, will call into question interpreters initially left in the pits. The only thing not in question is the form, that 4-3-1-2 wanted by Berlusconi and the main reason for Mihajlovic's exemption.
“It makes me smile that the only ones who haven't digested this system are outside our locker room – commented Brocchi. – It should be the players, in case, who tell me that they are not feeling well, instead they are very happy. There will be some absentees at Bentegodi, it's true, but regardless of this I want to see spirit and determination."
The interpreters of the Rossoneri 4-3-1-2 will be Donnarumma in goal, Abate, Mexes (favorite over Zapata), Romagnoli and De Sciglio in defense, Kucka, Montolivo and Josè Mauri in midfield, Honda in the trocar behind the offensive duo Menez -Bacca, the latter forgiven after an apology to the coach and teammates.
“It was a very beautiful scene, it moved me – said Brocchi. – There are no problems between us, on the contrary I expect a proof of pride from him”. The same that Delneri will ask of his Verona, now practically relegated (he will also be relegated to mathematics in case of failure to win this afternoon) and determined to focus on the future.
The Gialloblù will try to give Bentegodi a smile with the usual 4-4-2, with Gollini in goal, Pisano, Bianchetti, Moras and Albertazzi in defence, Wszolek, Marrone, Ionita and Rebic in midfield, Gomez and Pazzini in attack.
