Inter drops poker and takes second place. Ferrara's 4-0 is worth the counter-overtaking on Atalanta and Lazio, but above all a minus 6 from Juventus (7 considering the direct clashes against) which, at least on a mathematical level, keeps the championship open.
The black and white advantage, with just five matches to go, is still quite important, but the next matchday (Juve-Lazio and Roma-Inter) could still say something: the feeling is that the title will be decided this weekend. In any case, the Nerazzurri are back there and this, in the light of what has happened in recent weeks, opens up a whole series of considerations, both on their regrets (how important are the points lost against Sassuolo and Bologna!) and on the Juve mistakes, unable to bite a shield that now seemed his.
“For us it was important to give a signal of continuity, conviction, desire and determination: these matches, on paper, may seem obvious or easy, but we know they are not… – Conte commented – We took to the field with the desire to put the final mortgage on our place in the Champions League, put ourselves back in second place and bring those in front closer, even if they are still far away. They are 6 points, but this team gives the best signals on a mental level, despite those missteps committed that we could pay dearly for".
There was no doubt that Inter were the overwhelming favourites, also because Spal is now resigned to relegation to Serie B. But given what happened with Sassuolo and Bologna, it was better not to take anything for granted, especially as the appeal lacked a certain Lukaku, not just anyone. However, after the lockdown, Conte found Sanchez again and the Chilean, waiting to know his future ("we will evaluate with the coach, keeping in mind however that he is from Manchester United", Marotta's words in the pre-match), displayed his entire repertoire, in an attempt to erase the disappointments of the first part of the season.
"Unfortunately, Alexis got hurt, but luckily we had a great response from Lautaro and Lukaku - continued the Nerazzurri coach - Now he's starting to feel good, for the future it's right to talk to the club first, there's certainly now he is totally rediscovered, it is clear that he has enthusiasm, hunger and desire to play. I'm happy for him, now that he's well he's an extra weapon."
Niño Maravilla was decisive on two of Inter's four goals: assisting Candreva to make it 1-0 (37') and a header to beat Letica 3-0 (60'). In between, Biraghi's doubling (55'), before Gagliardini closed the match with an easy tap-in (even if, given the previous one with Sassuolo, it's not the case to say it too loud...) of the Nerazzurri poker.
Also worth mentioning an episode of moviola, with Strefezza shot down by Handanovic at the end of the first half, with the result still at 0-1. The referee Giua, after consulting with his colleagues at the Var, did not concede the penalty because the ball, at the moment of contact, was already out of the shoulder pad: a decision which, with a different final score, would have caused much discussion…
Now a day off, then, as previously mentioned, down with the 34th, for a weekend that promises to be more decisive than ever. Verona-Atalanta (Saturday at 17.15), but above all Roma-Inter (Sunday at 21.45) and Juventus-Lazio (Monday at 21.45): very dangerous crossroads, which will most likely direct the race for the title once and for all. The bianconeri need 9 points in the next five games to be mathematically champions and this only if the nerazzurri were to score full points, otherwise even less would be enough. Put like this, there would seem to be no more history, but given the moonshine of this crazy championship, it's better not to say it too loud...
