Continuity after the hangover derby. Inter begin 2014 on the Lazio field, in a match that is full of pitfalls, as well as rather delicate. Beating Milan was important for the standings and morale, but now we need to follow up on that success and score big points in Europe.
“It will be a good test for us – admitted Walter Mazzarri at the press conference. – Given Lazio's technical values, this will be a difficult match." Then there is another pitfall to disturb the sleep of the Inter coach, that Edy Reja who has just returned to the Biancoceleste bench who could change the balance of the match. “This change of coach is certainly not an advantage for us – WM explained. – Watching Lazio in the last game in Verona we noticed some big difficulties. Someone like Reja, on the other hand, can only have reunited the environment, everyone knows and respects him”.
In fact, the return of the Gorizia adds spice to the challenge, also considering what happened in Formello during the week. Petkovic's dismissal for just cause made a lot of noise and the story is by no means over, as the Bosnian seems intent on retaliating in court. Problems that don't affect Reja, who is well focused on Inter and Mazzarri.
“He says we benefit from the change of coach? No, he has the advantage, because he has a run-in team, which has lost a few points along the way – the coach smiled. – Being at Lazio means going home, now we have to unlock ourselves above all mentally ”.
Inter hopes that the process will require a little more time and that tonight (18.30 pm) the team of recent times will take the field, fragile, empty, devoid of flashes. As previously mentioned, however, Mazzarri doesn't trust him, also because he will have to do without Taider (injured) and Campagnaro (suspended). Instead of the Argentine defender there will be Ranocchia, who will make up the back trio together with Rolando and Juan Jesus.
On the other hand, it is more complicated to replace Algerian: WM can have various solutions, all intriguing in their own way. They range from Kuzmanovic's relaunch to Zanetti's confirmation, passing through the Kovacic hypothesis, certainly the most appreciated by the fans. However, the impression is that the coach will rely on the Serbian midfielder, less technical but more rocky and tidy, able to balance a team that is always a little fragile. Also because Alvarez will take care of giving quality, returning after the disqualification that made him miss the derby.
Up front, however, there is no doubt: space for Guarin (by the way, the negotiation with Chelsea is on standby) and Palacio, the anti-Milan hero. Bench for Diego Milito, finally available. “I've seen him pretty well these days – said Mazzarri. – But he has to find his match rhythm again. In any case, I'm happy to have him back, he's a real reinforcement." Will he be the only one? Probably not. Transfer market rumors in fact give Inter close to D'Ambrosio, the Turin winger who could arrive immediately in exchange for 2 million plus Mudingayi. However, there is also Milan on the player, for what would be the re-edition of the derby on the market.
