Juventus-Napoli is not done, indeed yes or maybe not. Around tonight's big match (20pm) chaos has literally unleashed, so much so that, incredible but true, a few hours after the kick-off it is still not clear whether the game will be played or not. The uproar broke out around 19pm, when theAsl of the Campania Region, with the players already on the bus heading towards Turin, blocked the departure of the Azzurri (who had discovered Elmas's positivity in the afternoon, after that of Zielinski), arranging fiduciary isolation for the whole team group.
A sensational decision, in total contrast with the rules signed on Thursday, but above all with the protocol drawn up by the FIGC in May, signed, it should be remembered, with the health ministers Roberto Speranza and of sports Vincent Spadafora. In fact, the rule provides that, in the case of players or staff members who are positive for Covid, they are placed in isolation, while allowing the others, with a negative swab, to continue sporting activity. Then Thursday, after the explosion of the Genoa outbreak, here was the further clarification, in perfect harmony with UEFA, of a minimum of 13 healthy players (12 plus a goalkeeper) to play, under penalty of defeat at the table. Obviously, all of this has not escaped Juventus, who at 21:15 communicated that "the First Team will take the field for the Juventus - Napoli match tomorrow at 20:45, as scheduled in the calendar of the Serie A League".
A full-blown trip that forced the ASL of Naples to make a reply, anything but trivial. Indeed, according to the visionary Ansa of the document, "the note speaks correctly of" voluntary isolation ", but the healthcare company, competent on a medical level, is not required to clarify that, juridically, the protocol on professional athletes launched by the Ministry della Salute at the last point provides for the possibility for the players, in the face of the negativity of the swab, to take the field and allow the smooth running of the match. Except then resume the quarantine period until the due date". The final point on the dispute was made by Lega Calcio, officially announcing that "the Juventus-Naples match, valid for the third day of the championship, remains scheduled for Sunday at 20.45".
And now what happens? Many people ask it, including us, and it is clear that it is impossible to give certain answers. However, it is probable that Napoli, in the light of the ASL clarification, cannot refuse to leave without paying the consequences, or incurring an inevitable 0-3 at the table. This morning we will know if the Azzurri will leave for Turin or not, certainly whatever happens we are facing one of the most sensational episodes in the history of Serie A, destined to be talked about for years. No doubts on the other hand about the progress of Lazio-Inter (15 pm), if only because Covid, at least for now, has preferred to focus on other teams.
The match promises to be beautiful, with two teams that, in this start of the season, have never skimped on goals and entertainment. The Nerazzurri are better at it, there's no doubt about that: Benevento's 5-2 showed off all the power of a reinforced squad, so much as to throw Conte off balance ("we're pleased to have the respect of our opponents" he declared right after the match) like never before. “With Lazio we face a different type of game, an excellent team that last year had the ambition to try and win the Scudetto – explained the Nerazzurri coach -. You will have to be very careful, at the same time, however, we must not distort ourselves but continue on our path". The climate in the Lazio house is decidedly more tense, where the four slaps taken by Atalanta still echo. “It is right that there are high expectations, we come from an exhilarating season, we knew that in these first three games we would have problems, but we have to go further – commented Inzaghi –. We'll need a perfect match against Inter, they have an excellent coach and players they can rotate: we'll have to have a different level of concentration than on Wednesday." Inter therefore favored, also in the light of a decidedly richer squad.
Tale he will opt for a 3-4-1-2 with Handanovic in goal, Skriniar, De Vrij and Bastoni in defense, Hakimi, Vidal, Barella and Young in midfield, Sensi behind the offensive duo made up of Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez. Inzaghi will respond with a 3-5-2 with Strakosha in goal, Bastos, Acerbi and Patric in the back, Lazzari, Milinkovic-Savic, Lucas Leiva, Luis Alberto and Marusic in the midfield, Caicedoe Immobile in attack.
To complete the Serie A Sunday also the Milan of Pioli, awaited by the match at San Siro against Spezia (18 pm). Relatively simple match on paper, but after Thursday's absurd qualification against Rio Ave there's no need to relax and take the opponent lightly. “We come out of these situations stronger, more aware and more mature, now we also know where we need to improve – Pioli's analysis -. Now we'll meet a tricky team, which won well in Udine and can put us in trouble, also because we're a bit tired: there will be rotations, we'll be ready”. It is evident that Milan have the fuel light on, partly due to the five games played in two weeks, partly due to the absences which force the coach to almost always field the same men. Something will change compared to Thursday, but not much: the Rossoneri will have to grit their teeth and use the break to catch their breath.
However, winning today too would mean reaching the derby with full points, a scenario that everyone, from Gazidis down to the last of the fans, hopes will come true. Today's 4-2-3-1 will see Donnarumma in goal, Calabria, Kjaer, Gabbia and Hernandez in defence, Tonali and Kessie in midfield, Castillejo, Calhanoglu and Saelemaekers in support of the lone striker Colombo. The Italian, refreshed by the victory in Udine, will attempt the feat with a 4-3-3 with Rafael between the posts, Ferrer, Chabot, Erlic and Marchizza in the back, Bartolomei, Ricci and Maggiore in the midfield, Verde, Galabinov and Gyasi in attack. Sunday as a spectator instead for the Roma, who has already done his duty in yesterday's match by winning 1-0 in Udine with a goal from Pedro (55').
A magic that was worth 3 points, the first in the Giallorossi championship: a great success, essential for enjoying a serene break, in the hope that the transfer market will bring the necessary reinforcements.
