Milan-Inter in the Italian Cup, act One. Rossoneri and nerazzurri meet face to face just under a month since the last time, only that here the championship is not at stake but the first leg semi-final of the other national tournament. This is how it will go on stage at San Siro the third derby of the season, with a balance up to now in favor of the Rossoneri, who have collected a draw and a victory. However, the Cup is another story, especially since here, unlike the Champions League and other international trophies, the away goal rule still applies, which will only be removed from next season.
Milan-Inter (21 pm, Canale 5)
The two teams don't get there well, or at least not like before. The latest results, plus allow Napoli to reach the top (on a par with Milan) and Juve to get dangerously close, have exposed the problems of the Rossoneri and Nerazzurri, both unable to win consistently, but above all to bring out their attributes in topical moments. Milan made up for two draws with Salernitana and Udinese, failing two sensational chances to take off in the standings, Inter, if possible, did even worse, obtaining only one point between Sassuolo and Genoa, moreover already knowing the results of the cousins . In short, the Italian Cup does not arrive at the best time, but it can turn into a springboard for regaining some impetus: however, it is difficult, if not impossible, for both to do so…
Pioli's words
“We approach the derby with great attention and concentration – Pioli explained in the press conference – It's only the first round and the return will be in a long time (April 20, ed), but starting well is important. We have reached the decisive moment of the season, we have made an extraordinary journey in the last two and a half years, but now only what we do from here on will count. We lack the last step to become winners and it's the most difficult to achieve, but I have great faith in my players. The season was difficult for everyone, it's normal to have drops but the standings show that there's a lot of balance and in the derbies, moreover, there are no favorites”.
Inzaghi's words
"It will be a battle where everyone will try to prevail over the other, but at the same time I think the mental and motivational aspects will make the difference - replied Inzaghi - For Milan it will be a beautiful showcase, but our focus must be on the pitch and on performance. It's normal that scoring away goals would be very important, but we'll have to try to play match by match, recovering physical and mental energy without thinking about what will happen next. If we want to achieve our goals this is the only way”.
Milan-Inter: the formations
The two technicians certainly cannot afford a large turnover, but the busy schedule (especially for Inter, who will already be on the pitch against Salernitana on Friday and will go to Liverpool on Tuesday) and the opacity shown by some elements recommend at least some rotation .
Pioli will then have to give up the disqualified Tonali, as well as the usual Kjaer and Ibrahimovic (the aim is for a call-up for Naples, but there are no certainties), therefore he will rely on a 4-2-3-1 that is a bit different from the usual with Maignan in goal, Calabria, Tomori, Romagnoli and Hernandez in defence, Bennacer and Kessié in midfield, Saelemaekers, Krunic and Leao behind the lone striker Giroud, already decisive in the last championship match.
Typical formation instead for Inzaghi, who will respond with the usual 3-5-2 with Handanovic between the posts, Skriniar, De Vrij and Bastoni in the back department, Dumfries, Barella, Brozovic, Calhanoglu and Perisic in the midfield, Lautaro and Dzeko in attack.
