Hunt for the cups, chapter 29. Like the days of this championship which still keeps the race for the Champions League and Europa League open, declared objectives of the Milanese. They will be the ones to inaugurate the round with two very interesting advances: that of Inter, expected from Mihajlovic's Turin (18 pm) and that of Milan, at home against Mandorlini's Genoa (20.45). Nerazzurri and Rossoneri really can't be wrong: both, in fact, are starting a fairly favorable cycle that could bring them closer to their respective goals. Until the derby on April 15, in fact, Inter will face Toro, Sampdoria and Crotone, Milan Genoa, Pescara and Palermo: not bad even looking at the path of the opponents, expected instead from rather complicated direct clashes (Naples-Juve and Lazio- Naples above all). The comeback plan can work, provided however that the so-called "affordable" matches are not missed.
“We'll need a top-level performance – Pioli glossed over. – Torino are a team that scores a lot especially at home, they have important players, a coach who knows how to stimulate. We are aware of our qualities and we mustn't make the mistake of thinking about others: the only thing to concentrate on is beating the grenades”. Which is not impossible considering that Mihajlovic's team is tenth in the standings, without particular objectives and fresh from the clear knockout in Rome, yet Sinisa could find a way to stop her former love, who turned into a rival after the spell at Milan of the year last. “Inter is a train in motion, we will try to derail it – explained the Serbian using his usual strong image. – He has everything to finish third, quality, talent, centimeters, kilos. But we want to give a smile and a company to our fans”.
Pioli has no particular doubts, apart from the usual Banega-Joao Mario ballot, with the Argentine favorite after last Sunday's super performance. The formation of the Olimpico should completely follow the one already seen with Atalanta, therefore 4-2-3-1 with Handanovic in goal, D'Ambrosio, Medel, Miranda and Ansaldi in defence, Gagliardini and Kondogbia in midfield, Candreva, Banega and Perisic behind Icardi. Classic 4-3-3 also for Mihajlovic, who will respond with Hart in goal, Zappacosta, Rossettini, Moretti and Molinaro in the back, Benassi, Lukic and Baselli in the midfield, Iago Falque, Belotti and Ljajic in attack.
Shortly after the match in Turin, the spotlights will move to San Siro, where Milan will receive Genoa for the 20.45 matchup. A match that wouldn't present particular pitfalls (the rossoblu, returning from the defeat in the derby, are experiencing a truly critical moment), if it weren't for the numerous absences that will force Montella to reinvent his formation. “No problem, I like to involve the whole squad – the Rossoneri coach cut short. – This will be a difficult, sticky match, to be played with patience and balance. Winning it would be very important to aim for Europe, in this championship there are many who dream of it and I think we will need the highest average points in recent years. How many? I would say 70 but it is not said, direct clashes will be fundamental ”. However, getting to the derby with 9 points between Genoa, Pescara and Palermo seems almost an obligation, otherwise talking about cups would be really very complicated.
Montella, in addition to the usual injured Bonaventura and Abate, will have to give up Suso (3 weeks off) and the disqualified Bacca, Romagnoli and Sosa. So tonight's 4-3-3 will be different than usual, with Donnarumma in goal, De Sciglio, Paletta, Zapata and Vangioni in defense, Kucka, Bertolacci and Mati Fernandez in midfield, Ocampos, Lapadula and Deulofeu (called up by the Spanish national ) in attack. Mandorlini, in silence after the defeat in the derby, will attempt the coup with the same game system: Lamanna between the posts, Izzo, Munoz, Gentiletti and Laxalt in the back department, Rigoni, Cofie and Hiljemark in the midfield, Taarabt, Simeone and Lazovic in the offensive trident.
