Derby in the distance with a view of Europe. Inter and Milan, waiting to face each other in the real one next Saturday, play a virtual derby against Crotone and Palermo, and the result available, ça va sans dire, is only victory. Failing the matches against Calabrians and Sicilians, in fact, would further complicate a race towards a European placement to be achieved at all costs, otherwise this season too should be archived under the heading of failure. The same goes for both, but it is undoubtedly the Nerazzurri who have something more to lose: in fact, their goal for the season was third place, which is why not grabbing even sixth would be truly sensational. “The Champions League was a dream, a very difficult thing to achieve – explained Pioli in the conference. - Mathematics does not condemn us but if it was difficult before, now it is even more so. We forget too easily the path we have taken but it is obvious that we all have to do our best, in the next games we will all play for reconfirmation". True, just as Inter has slowed down considerably in the last two games, scoring only one point between Turin and Sampdoria and thus leaving the Champions League race, barring sensational twists and turns. The one in the Europa League remains, which is by no means obvious and to be played against a less accredited Milan yet only one point away in the standings. Pioli wants to return to victory at all costs but he knows that he will face a fierce Crotone and determined to make the most of the last chance of salvation. The only training problem concerns Gagliardini, still out after the injury with Sampdoria, otherwise the 4-2-3-1 will be the best possible with Handanovic in goal, D'Ambrosio, Miranda, Murillo and Ansaldi in defense , Joao Mario and Kondogbia in midfield, Candreva, Banega and Perisic in the frontline behind lone striker Icardi. Nicola, six points from safety after the draw between Empoli and Pescara, will try the feat with the usual 4-4-2 with Cordaz between the posts, Rosi, Ceccherini, Ferrari and Martella in the back department, Rohden, Capezzi, Crisetig and Stoian in the median, Falcinelli and Trotta in attack.
If Inter have to win, the same goes for Milan: another misstep after the one in Pescara, in fact, would be truly unforgivable. The San Siro scenario is similar to that of the Scida, with the Rossoneri facing a Palermo with water in their throats and therefore willing to go for broke. “In Pescara we could and should have interpreted the game better, we needed more concentration – admitted Montella. – Now another difficult match awaits us, I see it a bit like the one against Genoa: patience and concentration will be needed. I'm not thinking about the derby but only and exclusively about Palermo. We have Inter ahead but also Atalanta, we will play everything in the direct clashes with these two teams. In any case, in the last 8 games we have scored 17 points, therefore a performance worthy of Europe. Let's continue like this and the goal will not escape us”. However, the bonuses are over, that's why today no mistakes will be allowed but only 3 points. Montella recovers a very important player like Suso and can therefore return to his favorite 4-3-3 (Bonaventura aside), with Donnarumma in goal, Calabria, Romagnoli, Zapata and De Sciglio in defense, Kucka, Sosa and Pasalic in midfield, Deulofeu , Berry and, of course, Suso in attack. Lopez, called to the miracle to try to reopen the salvation issue, will respond with a 3-5-2 that will see Fulignati between the posts, Vitiello, Gonzalez and Goldaniga in the back department, Rispoli, Bruno Henrique, Jajalo, Chochev and Pezzella in the midfield, Diamonds and Nestorovski offensive couple.
