Inter-Naples, the anti-Juve out. Or if you prefer, the runners-up. The different points of view capture reality well: the San Siro match can be decisive, in one sense or another. Whoever wins will throw down the gauntlet to the Italian champions (expected from the insidious away match in Palermo), whoever loses could find himself rather far away. A draw, on the other hand, would be of little use, but perhaps it would be the lesser evil for both. But certainly Inter and Napoli, at least initially, will not make calculations like these. The characteristics of the teams and coaches prove it, always ready to seek victory, albeit in different ways. When he tried to attack his opponent, Inter had problems (the match against Roma was emblematic), when instead they waited for him and hit him with a throw-in, things went much better (hence the 10 consecutive victories): that's why Stramaccioni has clear the anti-azzurri tactic. “Due to its characteristics, Napoli is among the most difficult customers – he explained at the press conference. – His strengths coincide with our weaknesses, but we worked during the week to avoid becoming the ideal victim. We at home risk leaving room for their restarts: it mustn't happen ". No response from Mazzarri (even Napoli, who knows why, chose not to hold the pre-match conference), but Castelvolturno welcomed Inter's comments with satisfaction. The Azzurri have earned the respect of their opponents, in Italy and in Europe, and away games like San Siro are no longer as scary as they once were. “Two projects meet, ours has just begun, while I think theirs has already reached the highest level – Stramaccioni pointed out. – It's a direct match, where it will be important to do well in front of our fans, but it won't be decisive: there are still too many days to go”.
The Inter manager fears Cavani ("He is one of the best strikers in the world, the prototype of the modern centre-forward") and above all Hamsik ("He is the key man for Napoli, he has great leg and the ability to score"), but he can smile, because he will find Cassano again. After two days of disqualification, Fantantonio will thus resume his starting position and will try to turn on the light of an attack in evident decline in form. Nothing to do instead for Sneijder, now to all intents and purposes a separate at home. The Dutchman is only waiting for the transfer market in January, then he will leave Inter and, probably, Italian football. No field (at least at the beginning) also for Goran Pandev, another hero of the treble: Mazzarri seems oriented to prefer Insigne, making his debut at San Siro. Scugnizzo will team up with Cavani, still without scoring goals at the Scala of football with the Napoli shirt. The Matador will try to unblock himself (so to speak…) by taking advantage of the absence of Samuel, out due to disqualification, whose place will be occupied by Silvestre.
POSSIBLE FORMATIONS
Inter Milan (3-4-2-1): Handanovic; Ranocchia, Silvestre, Juan Jesus; Zanetti, Gargano, Cambiasso, Nagatomo; Cassano, Palacio; Soldier. On the bench: Castellazzi, Belec, Pasa, Mbaye, Benassi, Duncan, Romanò, Coutinho, Guarin, Mariga, Pereira, Livaja. Trainer: Andrea Stramaccioni. Unavailable: Stankovic, Obi, Chivu, Mudingayi. Disqualified: Samuel.
Naples (3-4-1-2): De Sanctis; Gamberini, Cannavaro, Britos; May, Behrami, Inler, Zuniga; Hamsik; Cavani, Insigne. On the bench: Rosati, Colombo, Aronica, Campagnaro, Grava, Fernandez, Mesto, Dzemaili, Donadel, Dossena, Vargas, Pandev. Trainer: Walter Mazzarri. Unavailable: nobody. Disqualified: nobody.
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Bologna). Line Assistants: Batons – Cariolato. Port Assistants: Valeri – Giannoccaro. Fourth official: Nicoletti.
