Verona-Milan, a piece of the Scudetto is up for grabs. For the Rossoneri, of course, who in case of victory would take a giant step towards their goal, but also for Inter, who are desperately waiting for a misstep that would shuffle the standings.
Verona-Milan (20.45 pm, Dazn). Courses and appeals of the "Fatal Verona"
To charge the atmosphere then there are the precedents, which as everyone knows certainly don't smile at the Devil, at least when it came to fighting for the title. The expression "fatal Verona", in fact, was born on 20 May 1973 when Rocco's Milan, fresh winner of the Cup Winners' Cup, presented itself at the Bentegodi as leaders, with the possibility of celebrating the Scudetto in case of victory. It didn't go like this, because the Venetians crushed the Rossoneri with a 5-3 without appeal, handing the tricolor to Boniperti and Vycpalek's Juventus.
History repeated itself in 1990 when Sacchi's team, which would go on to win the Champions Cup against Benfica, played the championship against Maradona and Alemao's Napoli: that day, just like 17 years earlier, Hellas proved to be anything but hospitable, winning 2-1 a fiery challenge of competitive spirit and refereeing controversies (Rosario Lo Bello, son of the equally famous Concetto, denied Milan a penalty and sent off Van Basten, Rijkaard, Costacurta and Sacchi).
Pioli: "We need 7 points, we're not interested in Inter"
I reiterated why Verona-Milan it can never be a trivial game, it's time to focus on the present and on the approach of Pioli's team, master of their own destiny, all right, but still second by virtue of Inter's victory. The psychological aspect thus becomes fundamental, because the approach will make the difference: if the Rossoneri are charged by the Scudetto dream and by the environment (16 fans in tow) then they will have no problems, vice versa, if they end up being crushed by the pressure. here Verona could turn out to be "fatal" again.
“I don't see the players agitated or anxious, but focused and motivated – specified Pioli -. Now a comma or a point can make the difference, but my group has grown, I thought I had to reassure the kids, but it's not necessary. Verona will try to beat us with all their strength, but we know what we need, that is seven points. The important thing is to be a team for 95 minutes and play with the same positive emotions that are accompanying us”.
Tudor: “It's important to them, but it's important to us too”
“Fatal Verona? I took an accelerated course – joked Tudor at the press conference -. However, little changes for us, we are focused on the present. We want to win, there is a game to play, in which there will be more tension than usual. It will be a very important match for them and consequently it will be for us too, because when everyone looks at you you always want to make a good impression".
Verona-Milan, the formations: Pioli raises Bennacer, Ibra on the bench
Pioli now has everyone available, including that Bennacer who has already returned with Fiorentina, but left on the bench because he's not yet at his best. However, the work week went as smooth as silk, which is why the coach will be able to choose the best possible formation, therefore 4-2-3-1 with Maignan in goal, Calabria, Kalulu, Tomori and Hernandez in defense, Tonali and Bennacer in midfield, Messias, Kessié and Leao in the frontline, Giroud in attack. Typical formation also for Tudor, who will confirm en bloc the 3-4-2-1 with which he conquered Cagliari: Montipò between the posts, Casale, Gunter and Ceccherini in the back department, Faraoni, Tameze, Ilic and Lazovic in the midfield, Barak and Caprari behind the lone striker Simeone.
The other matches: Atalanta are looking for points, but the highlight is Salernitana-Cagliari
The rest of the A will essentially live on the fields of Salerno and La Spezia, where the destinies of the Europa Race and salvation will cross with no holds barred. After Lazio's victory over Sampdoria (2-0, goals from Patric and Luis Alberto) and awaiting the Monday night between Fiorentina and Rome, the players from Bergamo need to win to hold on to the European goal, but above all it is the fight in order not to recede to inflame on Sunday, Verona-Milan aside. Salernitana-Cagliari (18 pm, Dazn) is a real playoff, with the Campanians clamoringly favorites after the 13 points collected in the last 5 games, which have overturned a destiny that seemed already sealed. The city believes in the miracle built by Iervolino and Sabatini, but they will face a Cagliari ready for anything, even if it is not yet clear whether Mazzarri's sacking was a considered move or a simple last-ditch all-in.
