Who to continue the race, who to at least start moving. Different motivations for Roma and Milan yet the goal remains the same: to win, full stop. Both Di Francesco and Montella are almost forced to do so, one for the objective superiority over the opponent (Crotone), the other for a bench that otherwise would really risk jumping (Chievo). The one who plays the most is undoubtedly Milan, who have now reached the classic point of no return: the discussion has been dragging on for weeks and only a victory could silence it, albeit for a few days.
The collective feeling is that of a coach disheartened by the clubs and fans, still in his position only due to lack of alternatives and not out of real conviction. The names of Paulo Sousa, Mazzarri and Gattuso are gaining momentum hour after hour, while Ancelotti's remains essentially a dream: the situation is evolving and only a few victories could stop it.
“It's understandable that other names circulate, it doesn't bother me – Montella glossed over – I'm motivated and I feel that the team is about to explode, my job consists in managing positive and negative moments. We need to take back what we left on the street, starting now ”.
It goes without saying that the situation is not the best at all: the complications of the away match at Chievo (unbeaten since 9 September, 3 wins and 3 draws since then) are compounded by the absences of Bonucci and Bonaventura, the former disqualified (Juve will also miss) , the second injured.
However, the Rossoneri coach will not change form and will continue to insist on the 3-4-2-1 formation of the last few games, therefore Donnarumma in goal, Musacchio, Romagnoli and Rodriguez in defence, Borini, Kessie, Biglia and Calabria in midfield, Suso and Calhanoglu in shoulders of lone striker André Silva.
Classic 4-3-1-2 for Maran, who will respond with Sorrentino in goal, Cacciatore, Gamberini, Cesar and Gobbi in the back, Castro, Radovanovic and Hetemaj in the midfield, Birsa in the trocar, Pucciarelli and Inglese in attack.
The moment in Rome is decidedly more serene, where the prospects are bright again: the victory in Turin has put the standings back in order, now we need to take advantage of the home round against Crotone to continue racing and, perhaps, steal a few points from those in front .
“It's a difficult match, last year they performed a miracle – thought Di Francesco – We want to win both this and the next one with Bologna, but we know that in football nothing is taken for granted. We still have to work a lot and be more precise in front of goal, but I see a lot of solidity and this is a positive sign". It is inevitable that the coach will make a bit of a turnover even if the most awaited man is not yet ready: Patrik Schick will only start from the bench.
The Giallorossi 4-3-3 will therefore see Alisson in goal, Karsdorp (season debut for him), Juan Jesus, Moreno and Kolarov in defense, Pellegrini, Gonalons and Strootman in midfield, Under, Dzeko and Perotti in attack. An ordinance 4-4-2 for Nicola, who will attempt the feat with Cordaz between the posts, Sampirisi, Ceccherini, Ajeti and Martella in the back, Rohden, Mandragora, Barberis and Stoian in the midfield, Nalini and Budimir in attack.
