The right man is not there yet. It seems incredible but Inter have not yet identified De Boer's replacement with certainty. Between castings, telephone interviews and more or less private chats, it is clear that for the hottest bench in Italy there is now a three-way race: Marcelino, Pioli and Zola, the new Nerazzurri coach will be one of these. The Spaniard, to date, is the great favorite, if only because his name warms Kia Joorabchian and therefore also Suning, closely linked (sooner or later they will explain why?) To the very powerful Iranian prosecutor. The Milanese current instead (Ausilio, Gardini and Zanetti) continues to push for an Italian solution, which is why Pioli remains in the running and with him also Zola, appreciated by the Chinese for name issues and received yesterday in yet another interview. Today we will probably know how this story will end, but in the meantime there is a match against Crotone at San Siro that must be won at all costs (18pm). “All these rumors don't distract us, let's just think about the pitch – assured Stefano Vecchi, interim coach destined to return to the Primavera. – I know very well that after this race I won't be around anymore, that's why I want to make a good impression. And the boys don't get involved in these things, they are at my complete disposal for this match." That you really can't go wrong and not only because of the technical weakness of the opponent, last in the standings with only 5 points (but fresh from the victory over Chievo which has rekindled hopes of salvation): Inter must get back to making results as soon as possible , otherwise the crisis could really become endless. Vecchi immediately understood the delicacy of the moment, which is why, despite the opponent, he will re-propose the compact 4-4-1-1 already seen in the cup, in the hope, however, that the result will be different. Santon, Miranda, Murillo and Nagatomo will play in front of Handanovic, with Candreva, Joao Mario, Gnoukouri and Perisic in midfield, Banega in the trocar behind the lone striker Icardi. Nicola, refreshed by the success against Chievo, will reply with a 4-3-3 with Cordaz between the posts, Rosi, Ceccherini, Ferrari and Mesbah in the back, Rohden, Capezzi and Barberis in the midfield, Trotta, Falcinelli and Palladino in the offensive trident.
A decidedly more serene climate at Milan's home, where one thinks only and exclusively of the match in Palermo. The away match at Barbera (15 pm) could send Montella's team into orbit, ready to detach their pursuers for third place, and all this despite a corporate situation in the balance (the closing with the Chinese does not yet have an official date) from different months. “I was very clear with mine right from the start, we have to think only of the pitch – reiterated the Rossoneri coach. – We will face an opponent with ideas, woe to underestimate him based on the ranking. Against Palermo you have to play aggressively otherwise you risk looking bad, they'll put a lot of competitive fury and we won't have to be outdone". Words thought out artfully, probably to avoid the "full belly" effect already seen about ten days ago against Genoa. Compared to then, however, Milan had a whole week to prepare for the match, which is why expectations are much higher. Montella will have to do without Niang (not called up after a week of fever) but for the first time he will be able to count on Mati Fernandez: the Chilean, strongly desired by him, is available again even if he will only start from the bench. The Rossoneri 4-3-3 will therefore see Donnarumma in goal, Abate, Paletta, Romagnoli and De Sciglio in defense, Kucka, Locatelli and Pasalic (favorite over Sosa) in midfield, Suso, Bacca and Bonaventura in attack. De Zerbi, called to score in order not to risk the exemption, will respond with a square and aggressive 4-1-4-1: Posavec between the posts, Morganella, Vitiello, Rajkovic and Aleesami in the back, Gazzi "dam" behind of the median composed by Diamanti, Hiljemark, Chochev and Quaison, Nestorovski up front.
