In the end Roma smiles. It is the Giallorossi who have the upper hand in the "play-off" for the noble area of the standings, against an Inter who returns home with another defeat full of regrets. The Olimpico match was a beautiful one, a real commercial for show football despite the fact that, paradoxically, there were red pencil errors.
On the other hand, it was known that Roma and Inter didn't have the defensive phase in their ropes and yesterday's match was the umpteenth demonstration of this. Goalkeepers excluded (both Szczesny and Handanovic made extraordinary saves) everything else can definitely be improved, obviously from the waist down.
Because on the other hand the judgment changes, as demonstrated by the many goals (19 to 17!) that enlivened the challenge. In fact, the 2-1 final could have been much more rounded and, more importantly, to the advantage of both sides. Roma won because they knew how to make the most of the episodes, as well as finding the advantage after just 5' (Dzeko on an assist from Bruno Peres).
From there on in series opportunities both towards the goal of Handanovic and Szczesny, both very good at taking even the unstoppable. Halfway through the second half, Inter found an equalizer with Banega (72') but the result remained level for only a few minutes: in the 76th minute Manolas, thanks to a deflection by Icardi (and an unnecessary foul by Jovetic which caused the free-kick), gave Roma back the lead. A 2-1 final greeted with joy by Spalletti, smiling again after decidedly difficult weeks.
“We won a game against a great team – thought the coach. – We both conceded something too much but this happens when you want to win, these are our characteristics even if we can improve”.
Different climate at Inter, where De Boer has to deal with another step backwards. “Let's say that we put our effort into it – sighed the Dutchman. – If you make mistakes like that it's difficult to win, I also told the boys. In the second half it was only us on the pitch, we pay for our mistakes."
If bitterness reigns on the Nerazzurri side of the Naviglio, the same cannot be said for the Rossoneri side, indeed crossed by a real burst of happiness. The victory over Sassuolo, in addition to giving a sensational third place (in cohabitation with Rome, Lazio and Chievo), arouses enthusiasm for the way it happened, a mix of madness and luck that bodes well for the rest of the season.
At San Siro, spectacle and twists were expected but not even the most optimistic could predict the 4-3 final, which was totally devoid of logic. Immediately ahead with Bonaventura (9'), Milan were first joined by Politano (10'), then overtaken by Acerbi (54'), finally outdistanced by Pellegrini (56'). But just as the audience began to boo, here comes the unexpected turnaround.
Berry from a penalty (69'), Locatelli from distance (73'), Paletta with a header (77'): 8' of total madness meant that Milan made a sensational comeback. “This victory has an importance that goes beyond 3 points and I take it home with great enthusiasm – explained Montella. – President Berlusconi also called me, he was very happy because the team gave him a splendid birthday present ”.
Definitely more black Eusebio Di Francesco, furious above all with the referee Guide, whose direction of the match he didn't really like. “I don't want to say anything but everyone has seen certain episodes – the comment. – Milan is a strong club, but we are a small reality. And the good referees are the ones who don't let themselves be influenced...".
