Under the banner of three. As the goals scored against Crotone, like the points put in the pocket, like the positions climbed in the standings, especially like the third place conquered alone. You choose what to dwell on, what is certain is that Juventus she was forced to win and she did so, thus regaining a pinch of confidence in view of the next commitments, which are decidedly more probative. Bottom-up Crotone, in fact, could not create particular problems and so it was, but the Lady was certainly not in the best conditions. Morale weakened after Naples and Porto and physically due to the numerous defections, the bianconeri needed an answer from the remaining leaders, Ronaldo above all.
They had it, there's no denying it, because CR7, as a seasoned area shark, could not remain indifferent to the smell of blood shed by the Calabrian defense, not surprisingly the most perforated in the championship (58 with 3 yesterday). And so the Portuguese, after having missed a comfortable opportunity, used his head, in the literal sense: the double detachment with which he punched poor Cordaz (38', 45') allowed his team to go into the interval with a comfortable 2-0, making the recovery little more than a workout.
The ravenous Cristiano tried several times for the trio that would have given him the ball by right, instead he had to "settle" to see a party McKennie, author of the definitive 3-0 with a close touch on the development of a corner (66'). Pirlo brings home an important victory, in the hope of recovering someone (at least a more fit Morata) for next Saturday's away match in Verona: in fact, much more will be needed there to get the 3 points.
"We had started off a little nervous, the last two defeats had brought us a bit of nervousness and less lucidity - the analysis of the Juventus coach - The two goals helped us, but we missed too many passes due to frenzy, however the important thing was to bring home the three points. Scudetto? All the teams behind Inter are the antagonists, so we are here too”.
Once the championship is over, it's time to think about the championship again Champions, who returns tonight with another two eighths as Atletico Madrid-Chelsea and, above all, Lazio-Bayern Munich (21 hours). A very difficult match for Inzaghi's team, perhaps even prohibitive, in light of what the Germans were able to do between last season (Champions League, Bundesliga, German Cup) and this one (European Super Cup, German Super Cup, Club World Cup) . But even Flick's invincibles have some weaknesses, as demonstrated by Saturday's defeat against Eintracht: the 2-1 draw in Frankfurt called the championship into question, with Leipzig back just 2 points behind. However, one swallow does not make spring, which is why it would be absurd to think of a Bayern in crisis: the mission remains very difficult, but Lazio have every right to try.
“We want to play a game that allows us to hold on to qualification until the end – he confirmed Inzaghi – Facing Bayern in an eighth of the Champions League is the culmination of five years of work, we will try to challenge them with the right light-heartedness, without thinking about their weaknesses but rather our strengths. The Germans are almost unplayable, but we know how to face these matches in the best way".
“I want Bayern to show their full potential – he replied flick – We saw Lazio's matches against Borussia, they played very well. Klose (his deputy, ed) can give us a lot of help, he has been in the team with some of their players and he also knows Inzaghi ”.
In short, according to the German coach, there won't be the risk of seeing Bayern not very concentrated, but Lazio obviously hope that's not the case. The Lazio coach will have to do without Radu, Luiz Felipe and Pereira, for the rest all available for a 3-5-2 with Reina in goal, Patric, Acerbi and Musacchio in defense, Lazzari, Milinkovic-Savic, Leiva, Luis Alberto and Marusic in midfield, Correa and Immobile in attack.
A few more problems for the Bavarians, forced to give up the injured Gnabry, Tolisso, Pavard, Douglas Costa and Muller. However, Flick can still count on a respectable 4-2-3-1 with Neuer between the posts, Kimmich, Boateng, Alaba and Davies in the back, Goretzka and Roca in the midfield, Sané, Choupo-Moting and Coman behind the lone striker Lewandowski.
