Milan is there! In the match "of the aspiring greats" it is the Rossoneri who respond presently: the 2-0 over Lazio, in addition to a third place in the standings (awaiting, of course, all the others), is worth a big leap in quality for all the work of Montella.
After that of Genoa comes another victory, moreover without conceding a goal, confirming the progress of a group that seems to have rediscovered humility and motivation. Instead, Simone Inzaghi's Lazio was rejected, moreover in the dock for some questionable training choices.
In fact, the Biancoceleste coach showed up at San Siro without Felipe Anderson and Keita and when, at the start of the second half, he decided to throw them into the fray it was already too late.
Milan, fielded by Montella with the usual 4-3-3, thanked them and were thus able to play the match they wanted. Of course, it took a big gift from Lazio to unblock the impasse: in the 37th minute Parolo lost a bloody ball that Kucka catapulted onto Bacca's feet, ruthless as usual in front of the goalkeeper.
The 1-0 gave the Rossoneri enthusiasm and they could have doubled their lead several times, both at the end of the first half with Bonaventura (twice) and at the start of the second with Niang (his sensational error into an empty net!). The Frenchman, not so lucid at the net but invaluable with his tireless work, however redeemed himself in the 74th minute by converting the penalty caused by Radu's arm and kindly granted to him by Bacca.
The 2-0 put the exclamation point on a very precious victory, which projects Milan into the top part of the standings: it's still too early to dream but the team has finally found its own precise physiognomy.
“Everyone's spirit is growing – confirmed Montella. – We still lack that lightness to play cheerful and bubbly football, especially at San Siro, but we can get there. Our competitors are Inter, Fiorentina, Lazio and Sassuolo, we will play with them for a place in Europe".
Speaking of the Nerazzurri: tonight it will be up to them to confirm the latest progress in Empoli. To give meaning to the splendid victory over Juve, in fact, it will be necessary to do the same to Castellani, otherwise the criticisms of the team and coach will re-emerge forcefully.
“It's an important and delicate match – admitted Frank De Boer. – I want to see the same attitude that I admired against Juve, it will be essential to maintain the same attitude. The championships are won by scoring points with the small and medium-sized teams, I repeat: only after the match in Empoli will I know where we are in terms of growth".
The Dutchman is not hiding, on the other hand, after so much criticism, the turning point could have come for him too. On Sunday, for the first time, we saw an Inter in his image and likeness, but tonight we'll understand if it was an exception or if his work is really starting to bear fruit.
Gabigol will also be seen at the Castellani, in his first call-up in the Nerazzurri shirt: the Brazilian will start from the bench but could be another arrow in De Boer's arc. Compared to Sunday there will be some changes, dictated above all by the absence of Banega (suspended).
Inter's 4-2-3-1 formation will see Handanovic in goal, Nagatomo, Miranda, Murillo and Santon in defence, Medel and Kondogbia in midfield, Candreva, Joao Mario and Perisic in the trocar behind lone striker Icardi. Still grandstand for Brozovic: waiting for an apology, the Croatian is on the edge of the group.
Martusciello, refreshed by the good draw with Torino, will attempt the coup by relying on his 4-3-1-2 with Skorupski between the posts, Laurini, Bellusci, Barba and Pasqual in the back, Tello, Dioussé and Croce in the midfield, Saponara in the trocar behind the attacking couple Maccarone-Pucciarelli.
