Inter does its duty, now it's up to Lazio and Milan. The Nerazzurri had to win against Empoli at all costs for two reasons: to stay in the wake of Rome and Naples and distance the Biancocelesti and the Rossoneri, who are engaged in tonight's direct match (20.45 pm) which, however it goes, will make Pioli smile. A victory for the home team would send Milan within 5 points, the opposite result would still guarantee the overtaking of Inzaghi's men, a draw, ça va sans dire, would allow them to score points on both sides.
All of this was possible thanks to the success against Empoli, as predictable as you like but not taken for granted. Inter lacked important men like Icardi and Perisic (but also Brozovic and Banega) and the substitutes were able to put the team on their shoulders. In fact, in the 14th minute it was Eder who unlocked the game with an assist from Palacio, a perfect spot on the concept of a group and being ready when needed.
Empoli felt the blow but did not go down: indeed in the 53rd minute they came close to equalizing with Krunic (very good Handanovic), giving the whole San Siro a good scare (the protagonist of the announced 'panolada' of protest against the referees). Wrong goal, conceded goal: a minute later Eder, again him, disguised himself as an assist man by serving the ball to Candreva for the final 2-0.
"I saw the reaction I wanted - explained Pioli - After Turin we had to prove that we are a real team and we did, we know how to fight, suffer and restart even if there is still room for growth".
This evening the Nerazzurri coach will be able to sit in an armchair and enjoy Lazio-Milan without excessive worries, unlike those directly involved, who are forced to win in order not to risk leaving the Europe discourse. The risk, in light of the standings, concerns more the Rossoneri than the Biancocelesti: losing at the Olimpico, in fact, would mean going 5 points behind sixth place (which in that case would be from Atalanta), a good gap at this point in the championship.
"We have to think only of our path, we are aware of facing a difficult game but we can do well - commented Montella - It will be an important match but not decisive: there are still many games left at the end of the championship". The coach almost seems to be putting his hands forward, on the other hand clearing the Olimpico seems prohibitive and not only for the value of Lazio.
Montella in fact, as well as the usual Bonaventura and De Sciglio, will have to do without Romagnoli and the disqualified Kucka and Paletta: a real death of owners, which will make the Roman mission even more difficult. The move that could shuffle the cards concerns Deulofeu, probable "false nueve" in an attack without first strikers with Ocampos and Suso, with Bacca and Lapadula watching from the bench. For the rest, an almost obligatory 4-3-3 with Donnarumma in goal, Abate, Gomez, Zapata and Vangioni in defense, Bertolacci, Locatelli (ballot with Sosa) and Pasalic in midfield.
"The defeat in the first leg still burns for the whole group – growled Simone Inzaghi – We want to play the game and give our best to get the three points, I have seen great desire and determination in continuing the streak that began with Inter and Pescara". Lazio, up to now always beaten in direct matches (apart from the draw in Naples), has the opportunity to really relaunch itself in the upper areas of the standings, provided they finally demonstrate the personality of a great team. Inzaghi will try with a 4-3-3 that will see Marchetti in goal, Basta, De Vrij, Hoedt and Radu in the back, Parolo, Biglia and Milinkovic in the midfield, Felipe Anderson, Immobile and Lulic in the offensive trident.
