Europe up for grabs. Inter-Atalanta (15 pm) is a sort of early play-off for the noble area of the standings and if Pioli's Nerazzurri still have Champions League ambitions, the same goes for Gasperini's, even ahead in the standings albeit only by one point. The challenge at San Siro promises entertainment and is less obvious than what the technical values say: in fact, even the Bergamo players can no longer be labeled only as a surprise. “It's an important clash, when you face an opponent ahead in the standings the points weigh even more – confirmed Pioli. – They are in condition, they deservedly beat Napoli but we too are fine and we will try to do our best. They will probably be lighter mentally but I think it all depends on us, as against anyone." The coach wants to create a big match atmosphere, which is not so obvious given the great difference in coat of arms between the contenders. Precisely this could benefit Atalanta, now determined to fight to the end to win a place in Europe that would be worth almost as much as a Scudetto.
Gasperini then has never made a secret of the antipathy that binds him to Inter: the 2011 marriage went so badly that it left after-effects even after many years. “We go to Milan to do our best – explained the coach. – It's definitely a very important match but it would only be decisive if we win it, we just have to be proud of our position in the table and think match after match”. Pioli, after the excellent performance in Cagliari, has decided to bring back the 4-2-3-1 set aside (who knows why) against Roma, therefore he will field Handanovic in goal, Murillo, Medel, Miranda and D'Ambrosio in defence, Gagliardini and Kondogbia in midfield, Candreva, Banega and Perisic in the frontline behind the lone striker Icardi. Classic 3-4-1-2 for Gasperini's Atalanta, who will respond with Berisha in goal, Toloi, Caldara and Zukanovic in the back, Conti, Kessie, Freuler and Spinazzola in the midfield, Kurtic behind the attacking pair Gomez-Petagna. San Siro won't be sold out but there will still be a very large audience (55 spectators expected), just as befits a big match. Because Inter-Atalanta has become one in all respects.
