One point each that is convenient for everyone, except perhaps those directly involved. Sampdoria-Milan ended in a draw, a fun and, at times, spectacular 2-2 which, however, numbers in hand, seems to be able to satisfy the other third-place contenders more. Lazio, Naples, Inter, Fiorentina itself will play knowing they can gain ground on Sampdoria, currently alone in third place, not to mention Milan who risk finding themselves in full tussle. However, the glass is not completely empty: the blucerchiati remain in the very noble areas of the standings and the rossoneri have made up for last week's embarrassment. It wasn't easy to emerge unscathed from Marassi, a field where Mihajlovic's team had never lost, especially after being down at the start of the second half. Instead, Milan showed pride and a spirit of reaction, going back to a match that seemed destined to end badly. “The boys played a great match, a pity because we deserved the three points – thought Inzaghi. – However, the performance remains, I have seen that spirit that we had lost in the match against Palermo ". In addition to the semi-comeback, El Shaarawy's match should be underlined, scoring again (and what a goal!) after a football eternity (February 24, 2013, 622 days ago). The Pharaoh broke the deadlock after just 10 minutes with a spectacular right-footed shot, absolutely unstoppable for Romero. Milan, deployed by Inzaghi without a center forward (Menez false nueve) and with Bonaventura on the midfield line, managed the first half well enough to deceive that the practice was almost closed. Nothing could be more wrong, because just before the break Sampdoria equalized with Okaka, good at anticipating Bonera and Diego Lopez in splits (46'). The Rossoneri felt the pinch and at the start of the second half they conceded the 2-1 goal from Eder, who was quick to take advantage of the umpteenth inattention on a set piece by Bonera and company. It seemed over, but instead the spirit invoked by Inzaghi has arrived. Menez's penalty (handball by Mesbah) brought the result back to a draw, for a final 2-2 which seems to be the fairest result.
Today, however, many can overtake Milan, above all Napoli and Inter. The Azzurri will be the first to take the field against Fiorentina (18 pm) on the last call for the Europe zone. "I respect Benitez but I don't want to talk about him, he snubbed us by not showing up at the press conference" Montella's teasing, to which the Spaniard promptly replied. “I have the utmost respect for him and for his team – Rafa's words on Radio Kiss Kiss. – It will be difficult to play at Franchi and take the three points, but we will try”. Napoli has a duty to do so, at the moment one of the teams in the best shape in the championship and with explosive potential. After Thursday's massive (and successful) turnover, Benitez will be able to field the fresh and loaded owners. Therefore, in the 4-2-3-1 of the house, we will see again from the first minute Higuain, Callejon, Hamsik, Inler and David Lopez, in addition to the immovable Insigne. Montella has doubts mainly related to the formation: 4-3-1-2 with Mati Fernandez behind Cuadrado and Babacar or 3-5-2 with Ilicic alongside the Senegalese and the Colombian in midfield? The first option is likely to win, with Mario Gomez ready to take over from the bench.
In the evening (20.45 pm) it will be up to Inter to try to shorten the standings. The ex Mandorlini's Verona will arrive at San Siro but it will certainly not be a time for sentimentality. Never before have the Nerazzurri been called to victory, both for questions of points and for their coach, confirmed by the management but disliked by most of the Inter world. “We will have to warm up the public – explained Mazzarri. – But I hope that our people will help us if we have difficult moments”. We'll see what happens, what is certain is that Thohir would not like a result other than victory. “I don't evaluate myself, it's the others who have to judge my work – glossed over the coach. – It's true that we missed a few games but I think we should look at the glass half full. In the meantime, I bless the break that is about to arrive, I hope it can help us recover as many players as possible. If this happens, we will be able to embarrass anyone”. This evening, however, there will still be an emergency, with Guarin unavailable and the bruised Hernanes and Nagatomo on the bench. Mazzarri will play Obi and Dodò on the flanks, Kuzmanovic, Medel and Kovacic in the middle of the pitch, Icardi and Palacio up front, in the hope that Trenza can find that goal they have been missing since 10 May (brace against Lazio). Mandorlini will respond with the usual 4-3-3 with Luca Toni and Juanito Gomez under special observation.
