No error. Inter and Napoli do their duty and get back on track, albeit, obviously, with their respective differences. The Azzurri seem to be back at the top, the Nerazzurri, on the other hand, still have a long way to go to find themselves in the upper areas of the standings, in any case both have won and can have a much more peaceful week.
The most delicate match, standings in hand, was that of Pioli's Inter, called to redeem themselves after the 0-3 draw in Naples. The match against Genoa seemed difficult, especially for the Rossoblu's previous history, already capable of beating Milan and Juventus and stopping Sarri's men. The beginning seemed to be able to repeat the same trend, with Juric's team close to scoring first with Lazovic (20', save by D'Ambrosio) and then with Ocampos (26').
At that point, as often happens, the "wrong goal, conceded goal" rule came into play), and it was Inter who found the net with Brozovic, cold and precise in finding the right corner behind Perin (39 '). Substantially resumed with the same script: Genoa looking for an equalizer and the Nerazzurri waiting for the right episode to end the game.
Which, after some rossoblu chances, arrived in the 69th minute: Joao Mario went away with a personal action and served Brozovic, punctual in beating Perin for the second time. The match ended here, with Inter managing a result as heavy as it was forced.
"We needed a victory like this - commented Pioli - We certainly cannot be satisfied with what has been done so far but the championship is long, we still have time to grow and improve the situations that are not going well". The standings, at the moment, remain deficient but the Nerazzurri, calendar in hand, can try to end 2016 decidedly higher.
The one who launches his candidacy towards the Champions League area is certainly Napoli, author of the most convincing victory on Sunday. Cagliari's 5-0, in fact, is a real test of strength, as well as a convincing answer to all those who indicated the attack as the team's weak point.
It was not Gabbiadini but Mertens who took the Azzurri on his shoulders, waiting for Milik (and, perhaps, for the January market), on balance the truly great top player available to Sarri. The Belgian, after having decided the match in Lisbon, also heavily influenced the one in Cagliari with a signature hat-trick, moreover in the role of "false nueve" which at other times seemed to distort him a bit.
“When he's like this he's a great player, I hope it's the year of his definitive consecration – praised Sarri – Up until nine days ago they said we had problems with physical condition, instead we all denied it and showed that we're fine. We came from the Champions League and there was the risk of paying duty, also because playing at 12.30 is really absurd: we did well and took a great victory”.
There was never a match at Sant'Elia: Napoli were too strong for Rastelli's Cagliari, not surprisingly the worst defense in the league with 37 goals conceded. Five arrived yesterday thanks to Mertens (34', 69' and 72'), Hamsik (45') and Zielinski (51'), and at least as many were avoided by poor Storari, forced, against his will, into a Sunday of overtime .
Now the Azzurri will be able to enjoy themselves Rome-Milan with the awareness of having done one's duty, i.e. getting close to the couple and then exploiting any weaknesses.
