Two different draws in terms of standings, yet sad in the same way. Milan and Roma stop in front of Turin and Genoa and, even with the necessary distinctions (the Giallorossi have 11 points more, moreover with one game less), they close the championship weekend with many regrets. Of course, the parallel stops here: Di Francesco's team has a precise identity and defined objectives, Montella's does not.
Being fourth, 7 points behind Napoli (with a match to recover) is one thing, finding yourself in seventh place, 18 behind the leaders and on par with Bologna and Chievo is definitely another. The much-invoked turning point must be postponed (again!) to a later date, with the awareness that time is ticking and that this season is inexorably sliding towards a resounding failure.
In the 0-0 draw with Toro there is room for everything: recriminations (Milan is close to scoring several times and, in general, more eager to win than the opponent) and sighs of relief (the double chance from Belotti and Iago Falque), a perfect photograph of a draw that left San Siro with a bitter taste for the umpteenth time this season.
The Europa League goal was not followed up and the Rossoneri confirm that they have big problems in the offensive phase, despite the analyzes of a Montella who is increasingly distant from his goals at the start of the season.
“We led the match from start to finish, creating numerous goals – thought the coach. – I can't reproach the team for anything, apart from the lack of serenity and lucidity in front of goal. The public has the right to boo, I accept everything and I hope to return to victory soon."
Many regrets also for Di Francesco's Roma, stopped by Genoa and, above all, by its captain De Rossi. In fact, it was he who provoked the rossoblù draw just at the moment in which the match seemed to be won and the 3 points in the bag. Instead, DDR's madness (70', punched Lapadula with consequent penalty and expulsion) meant that inertia changed completely and that the Giallorossi lost two heavy points in the standings, especially in a championship where whoever is at the top wins practically always.
Before the "crime" Roma had managed the game well, taking the lead at the start of the second half with El Shaarawy (59') after a first half without any particular ring, in one sense or another. Things seemed to go in this direction, then the aforementioned episode made everything change and Lapadula himself found an equalizer on a penalty kick (70').
"I'll talk to De Rossi, unfortunately that episode turned things upside down because Genoa, up until then, had never shot on goal – explained Di Francesco – Taking a goal like that hurts, especially with a distant ball". The next round will see the Giallorossi at home against Spal and Milan in Benevento: tempting opportunities to win again, otherwise nothing but recriminations…
