A Friday with a view of the Champions League. It's up to Milan to inaugurate the 25th day in the home match against Empoli (20.30), brought forward to today due to the imminent semi-final of the Italian Cup which will see the Rossoneri pitted against Lazio. However, we will only think about that from tomorrow, because today's mission is to conquer 3 almost fundamental points for fourth place.
Winning would guarantee the Champions League zone at least until next week, moreover it would put further pressure on an Inter awaiting the insidious trip to Florence, a misstep instead would give Roma (tomorrow in Frosinone) a great chance for a draw and would effectively cancel , the chances of third place. In short, matches like this, despite not being "cartel", often end up making the difference and Gattuso, criticized beyond measure after the pre-Christmas draws with Bologna and Frosinone, knows it very well.
“There is great concern on my part, it won't be easy at all – he explained at the press conference. – We play against a team that has changed form, with a good coach, who combines technical qualities with a very interesting defensive phase. It won't be easy but growth comes from these races, we can't afford to underestimate it".
The same goes for him, who in the space of two months went from "almost exonerated" to a man on whom to build the future. Thanks to a very positive 2019, which saw 3 wins and 2 draws in the league and qualification for the semi-final of the Coppa Italia, all topped off by an ever so effective defensive phase (only 4 goals conceded in the last 10 games) and by a finally prolific attack.
“I don't like compliments very badly – however the person concerned glossed over – I do this job because I like it and because I think I know how to do it, I don't need to be told good. I touch reality firsthand, I know I have to go through my daily work and, above all, through the results. I think match by match, now I'm focused on Empoli: we'll see the future later on”.
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What is certain is that Milan, for the first time this season, have rediscovered certainties and stability: the next step is to cement the Champions League area and the calendar, in this sense, would seem to lend a hand. After Empoli, the Rossoneri will have Sassuolo at home and Chievo away: taking full spoils, in the light of the rivals' commitments (Inter go to Florence, the Romans will compete in the derby next week), would allow for a big leap forward .
Therefore, it is forbidden to make mistakes, starting from today. Gattuso must give up the disqualified Suso, for the rest however, with the exception of the long-term patients Caldara, Bonaventura and Zapata, he will be able to count on the complete squad. His 4-3-3 will see Donnarumma in goal, Calabria, Musacchio, Romagnoli and Rodriguez in defense, Kessié, Bakayoko and Paquetà in midfield, Castillejo, Piatek and Calhanoglu in attack.
Iachini will respond with a 3-5-2 with Dragowski between the posts, Veseli, Silvestre and Dell'Orco in the back, Di Lorenzo, Acquah, Bennacer, Krunic and Pasqual in the midfield to support the offensive duo made up of Caputo and Farias.
