Roma takes fourth place, Inter misses the opportunity to aim for second. A Saturday full of smiles for Di Francesco, who returned to the Champions League zone thanks to the victory over Turin, Spalletti on the other hand didn't go beyond a gray 0-0 draw at home against Sassuolo and thus left two heavy points by the wayside, even if in light of the match , it would be better to look at the earned one. Yes, because in a San Siro animated only by 10 children admitted, it was De Zerbi's men who had the best chances and only a great Handanovic avoided yet another coup against Inter. The neroverdi thus confirmed themselves to be a real bete noire, partly due to their excellent organization of the game, partly due to the subdued evening of the most important nerazzurri, Icardi above all. And to think that the Argentine, after several weeks of turbulence, now seems close to renewing his contract, as announced by Wanda Nara first and then Marotta, but yesterday she ended up wandering the field without ever finding the right paw, thus proving to be completely harmless. And since Perisic too, as often this season, failed to leave his mark, the Inter game essentially produced only one goal with Politano, thus leaving Handanovic the role of man of the match.
In fact, Sassuolo, for its part, instead produced the usual lively and organized football, and only the imprecision of Locatelli (14', shot wide from an excellent position) and two saves by the Slovenian goalkeeper on Boateng (55') and Boga (91') prevented him from taking home the full haul. “It was a complicated match because they played well – admitted Spalletti. – We also risked losing it but it must be said that we were good behind it, while up front there was little precision: we weren't able to highlight our best quality”. Important victory instead for Roma, which thanks to a 3-2 win over Turin takes fourth place in the standings, albeit awaiting the answers from Lazio and Milan. The third consecutive success (fourth in the last five matches) certifies the change of pace of the Giallorossi, who are back in the running for the Champions League area considered essential by Pallotta. But be careful to think that the problems have been completely resolved: once again Di Francesco's team alternated moments of excellent football with worrying forgetfulness, so much so that they put a game back into play that seemed already won, even risking insult. After the one-two signed by Zaniolo (15') and Kolarov (34' from a penalty), the Giallorossi were in fact lost in a mix of confusion and presumption that allowed Toro before purchasing, to get back on track with Rincon (51'), then to equalize with Ansaldi (67'). But just in the most difficult moment, with the team frightened and the Olimpico impatient, El Shaarawy's paw came to bring Roma back in front (73'), thus allowing Di Francesco to take home 3 fundamental points. “As usual, we complicated our lives – commented the coach. – We deserved to end the first half with a wider lead, we had to manage things better and instead we sinned by inexperience. But I'm happy because the team is growing, plus the ability to react is a sign of great strength."
Fourth place, therefore, is colored yellow and red, at least until this evening. In fact, Napoli-Lazio will not only count for the Scudetto but also, if not above all, for the Champions League area. At the San Paolo (20.30 pm) it will be challenge hot from all points of view, especially given the load of controversy on the eve. The rejection of the appeal on Koulibaly inflamed spirits and created a big problem for Ancelotti, who hoped to recover at least him given the already certified absences of the other disqualified Insigne and Allan. Naples without very important pieces and this, evidently, can only make Inzaghi smile, determined to play it to the best of your ability. “They have important absences and this is certainly an advantage – confirmed the Biancoceleste coach. – We will try to score points at the San Paolo, so far none has succeededbut we can do it”. A lot of curiosity about training choices, especially in Naples where Ancelotti he will therefore have to give up three very titular players. The coach should opt for a 4-4-2 with Meret in goal, Hysaj, Albiol, Maksimovic and Ghoulam in defense, Callejon, Diawara, Zielinski and Fabian Ruiz in midfield, Mertens and Milik in attack. Inzaghi will respond with a 3-5-1-1 that will see Strakosha between the posts, Luiz Felipe, Acerbi and Radu in the back, Lulic, Parolo, Lucas Leiva, Lukaku and Milinkovic-Savic in the midfield, Luis Alberto behind the only Immobile tip.
