And after the Champions League play-off, here's the one for the anti-Juve role. Lazio-Inter (20.45 pm) at the moment it's above all this and sorry if it's not enough: in fact, hardly anyone could have imagined that the championship, which arrived in mid-February, was even a three-way race, with black and white, black and white in one point. Today, however, the standings, barring a sensational gift from Brescia, could lengthen and both Conte and Inzaghi know this well, determined to play their respective cards at their best. The first comes to direct confrontation strengthened by a derby won in comeback, but also worried by the Cup defeat against Napoli, not so much for the result itself, but for the proof of how playing many close matches can be very complex.
Precisely this instead seems to be the trump card of the second, aware of not having a well-equipped squad like that of his rivals but also of being able to think only and exclusively of the championship. If we then add the Olimpico of great occasions to this (over 60, we go towards the seasonal record), we get the picture of an unexpected big match, but one that is nonetheless. “It is a match between the two oussiders of the Italian championship, this is the best definition – commented Conte. – Winning isn't easy especially in Italy, because in recent years there has been a team that has made a splash like PSG in France or Bayern in Germany. Lazio won the Coppa and Supercoppa but worked on players and without selling those who have important ratings today, adding every year, working very well on the market and strengthening the departments. May the best man win…".
The Nerazzurri coach therefore does not want to take the palm of the favourite, emphasizing how the rivals, however less listed, have years of work behind them that he, for obvious reasons, has not had. A concept that Inzaghi doesn't like, determined to keep the low profile that has allowed him to get here. “We certainly have less pressure than them – replied the Lazio coach. – It's so effective to talk about the Scudetto match but we know the strength of the opponent. It will be an important but not decisive challenge, certainly winning would give an extra boost. We deserve this position and we know where we started from." One by one and ball in the center, waiting for the challenge on the pitch. For both, it is a very important exam and tension could play a decisive role, especially if Juve were to do their duty against Brescia in the afternoon.
In terms of training, Lazio seem to be doing better, with "only" Lulic missing, while Inter have to deal with yet another stop by Sensi, as well as with a Handanovic who is not yet able to play from the start. Conte will confirm the usual 3-5-2 with Padelli in goal, Godin, De Vrij and Skriniar in defence, Candreva, Barella, Brozovic, Vecino and Young in midfield, supporting the offensive duo made up of Lukaku and the returning Lautaro Martinez. Another bench therefore for Eriksen, evidently still considered far from the best shape, at least to play from the beginning. Classic 3-5-2 also for Inzaghi, determined to obtain the 19th consecutive useful result with Strakosha between the posts, Luiz Felipe, Acerbi and Radu in the back department, Lazzari, Milinkovic-Savic, Lucas Leiva, Luis Alberto and Jony in the midfield, Correa (favorite over Caicedo) and Immobile in attack. It won't be a decisive game, but it will certainly influence the rankings a lot. Because after tonight we will understand if the scudetto will really be a three-way race, this time for real…
