A Milan with two faces. Smiling for the nerazzurri, reassured by the victory (albeit at the photo finish) against Atalanta, disappointed for the Rossoneri, forced to deal with the bad defeat in Florence. The transfer market is involved in all of this, having reached the decisive week and from which Mancini and Mihajlovic still expect a lot. But let's go in order and start from the field.
The spotlights were focused above all on the Franchi, the scene of the big match between Paulo Sousa's Fiorentina and Sinisa's AC Milan. Duel won by the Portuguese and also great: the Viola in fact appeared more on the ball from the beginning even if they ended up making it happen only once they remained in numerical superiority. The match took place in the 36th minute when Rodrigo Ely, who lined up as starter alongside Romagnoli, was sent off for a second yellow card.
On the consequent free-kick Marcos Alonso brushed a jewel and the three points took the way of the Franchi. Ilicic's penalty (56') sanctioned a worrying technical and organizational superiority, completely unexpected after Milan's good pre-season.
“We knew it would be difficult but until the expulsion the match had been balanced – Mihajlovic's analysis. – Anyway they deserved to win, their ball possession was better while we did badly in midfield. I'm especially disappointed by the two interiors, they didn't do what I expected."
Bonaventura and Bertolacci in the dock but perhaps Sinisa's sentence should be read more in a market key: it is no coincidence that the coach asked for Soriano, his loyalist since the days of Sampdoria. Waiting to see if the company will be able to satisfy him (a new contact with Ferrero is scheduled for today), the sensational return of Mario Balotelli is about to materialize.
“There is a negotiation underway with Liverpool for a loan but there is still no agreement on his salary – confirmed Galliani. – If he were ever to return to us it would be the last train of his career and he understood this ”.
In reality, the deal is being finalized (the Reds will pay half the salary) so much so that there is already talk of medical visits for tomorrow. The arrival of Balotelli would seem to close the doors to Ibrahimovic even if with Raiola in the middle, never say never.
Market ending that promises to be crackling even at home Inter, although the climate is much better. The last-gasp victory over Atalanta will allow Mancini to experience a serene week, the first after a summer full of criticisms and worries.
However, the 1-0 signed by Jovetic does not authorize flights of fancy. Inter struggled too much against a technically inferior team, forced into 10 for part of the second half by Carmona's expulsion, only managing to unlock the match in the 94th minute.
Had it finished 0-0 today we would be talking about a sterile and confused team, which is why Jo-Jo's splendid right-footed shot shouldn't exalt too much. However, three very heavy points remain and the good performances of all the new signings: from the central couple Miranda-Murillo to the highly anticipated Kondogbia, obviously passing through Jovetic.
“For me the best was Brozovic but I'm happy for all the boys – Mancini's words. – We had many chances, Atalanta are a difficult team that defend very well but we managed to shoot towards their goal 21 times”.
The coach from Jesi enjoys the three points but knows full well that the work is only just beginning. To see a better and more organized game, we still need time, as well as some reinforcements on the transfer market.
“Numbered we are few, indeed very few – he admitted bluntly. – With Icardi's injury (he was forced out after a quarter of an hour due to a muscle problem, ed) we only have two forwards and we are limited in midfield too”.
Mancio's requests are known: Perisic, Borini and Felipe Melo, without forgetting a left-back.
“We are negotiating with Wolfsburg but it is not easy, it is a rich, solid and German club – the point of ds Ausilio. – In any case, the market closes in a week, let's see what happens”.
Milan is preparing to reopen its wallet, some with a smile and some with a long face. Because a good part of the season is decided now, for better or for worse.
