For the Scudetto and for the Champions League. The luxury preview of the 29th matchday between Milan and Rome contains many themes: first of all because the match has a very significant (not to say strategic) importance for the standings, then because on Wednesday there will be the match against Barcelona, and then what better test than facing Luis Enrique's gang? “Effectively, their game system is similar to that of Barcelona. – said Allegri in the press conference – The difficulty of this match is that we play against a team that makes great possession, but he also plays well in the defensive phase and it is no coincidence that he has not conceded a goal in the last two games. Yes, Roma are a tough opponent, it will be difficult." The Rossoneri coach is aware of the importance that a victory would have, which would give a jolt to Juventus' Scudetto ambitions: “The value of this match is enormous. After that, there will be nine to go and keeping the four-point lead would be really great."
In short, at Milan the match against Roma is experienced as a sort of set point, this is why, until 20pm this evening, it is forbidden to think about Barcelona even if the imminent arrival of the European champions will condition the line-up: "Robinho won't be there, I still have to decide on Nesta and Van Bommel, and I will also have to evaluate whether to start Boateng from the start or while the race is in progress. It is probable that El Shaarawy will be alongside Ibrahimovic in attack”. The team appeared tired after the "infinite challenge" in Turin, but the elimination from the Italian Cup didn't diminish the Rossoneri's season. at least according to Allegri: “We are one step away from the Coppa Italia, we are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and we are leading the championship after a great comeback. We mustn't give up, this is an important, difficult championship, we have Juventus behind us with great motivation, but next year we want to play for the second star".
To continue fighting on all fronts, the recovery of some players will be essential, but Pato will not be among them. On Monday, the Brazilian will fly to the USA, to Atlanta, where he will undergo the treatment of Frederick Carrick, chiropractor and professor of neurology, who will try to understand the reasons for all his muscle injuries. For Pato it is a real journey of hope: in fact, after 10 muscle injuries in 27 months, many doubt that he will be able to return to what he was before. In the meantime, however, we will have to think about Totti, who will return to the field after missing the match against Genoa. "I would have preferred that he had come to Milan to watch the match," Allegri joked. The last smile before a week that can direct a season. One way or the other.
POSSIBLE FORMATIONS
Milan (4-3-1-2): Have you; Bonera, Mexes, Thiago Silva, Zambrotta; Nocerino, Ambrosini, Muntari; Emmanuelson; El Shaarawy, Ibrahimovic.
Trainer: Massimiliano Allegri.
On the bench: Amelia, Nesta, Mesbah, Aquilani, Gattuso, Seedorf, Boateng.
Unavailable: Cassano, Pato, Strasser, Robinho, Maxi Lopez, Inzaghi, Flamini, Abate, Roma, Merkel, Van Bommel.
Disqualified: Antonini (1)
Rome (4-3-1-2): Stekelenburg; Rosi, Kjaer, Heinze, Taddei; Gago, De Rossi, Pjanic; Totti; Borini, Osvaldo.
Trainer: Louis Enrique.
On the bench: Curci, Jose Angel, Cicinho, Simplicio, Marquinho, Lamela, Bojan.
Unavailable: Burdisso, Juan, Cassetti, Lobont, Greco
Disqualified: nobody.
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni (Bergamo) Assistants: Manganelli – Padovan Fourth official: Banti
