A draw that makes the others happy above all. Atalanta, of course, but also Napoli and Inter, who in this way can try to snatch really heavy points. On the other hand, Milan cannot smile too much, who experience this 0-0 home draw with the Bergamo players as a half-defeat. The standings remain more than good, God forbid, but missing out on victory risks costing quite a lot: the current third place, in case of successes for Napoli and Lazio, could even become fifth. Which then, all in all, is more in line with the real value of the Rossoneri but this is another matter and it is of little interest to Vincenzo Montella. “I'm happy with what we're doing, we have a 5-point lead over sixth and we deserved every single result – explained the coach after the match. – Now I hope to close the first round with two victories, that would really be a great goal”. Yesterday, however, only a goalless draw came out and this despite a good challenge, played at a good pace and with several chances on both sides. The biggest happened to Milan which, however, in addition to not being precise and lucky, had the demerit of growing only at a distance.
In fact, in the first half the only real great goal came in the 45th minute with Antonelli, good in percussion but unlucky in kicking on the post with a sure shot. Before then it was Atalanta that made themselves more dangerous with Petagna and Gomez, confirming a somewhat flat Milan, almost lost in the fog of San Siro. In the second half, however, the rhythms increased and Montella's team came close to scoring several times: Bonaventura, Lapadula, Kucka and Bacca shook Sportiello's goal, without however being able to punch it. And so the 0-0 final leaves a bitter taste in the mouth, as well as the awareness that the championship podium is now within reach of the pursuers. Above all, Napoli, called to beat Turin (15 pm) to return to the Champions League area. Not only that: in fact, the Azzurri, thanks to the defeat of Roma, can also put second place back in their sights. In the middle, however, there will be Mihajlovic's grenade, eager for redemption after last week's lost derby.
But Sarri's team just can't afford to waste such an opportunity, which is why it is reasonable to expect a fierce performance, along the lines of the last ones with Inter, Benfica and Cagliari, which have given the whole environment a new shine. This afternoon, net of Koulibaly's absence, we will see the best possible formation, therefore 4-3-3 with Reina in goal, Hysaj, Maksimovic, Albiol and Ghoulam in defense, Zielinski, Diawara and Hamsik in midfield, Callejon, Mertens and Insignia in attack. The same game system also for Mihajlovic, who will respond with Hart, Zappacosta, Rossettini, Castan, Barreca, Benassi, Valdifiori, Baselli, Iago Falque, Belotti and Ljajic. However, Pioli's Inter will open Sunday in the championship, forced to beat Sassuolo to try and shorten the standings a bit (12.30).
The Nerazzurri have no choice: if they really want to make a sensational comeback towards Europe, as their coach often repeats, they must start scoring points with greater continuity. Today then the occasion is tempting: Sassuolo in fact has many defections, among which those of Berardi, Duncan, Politano, Biondini, Cannavaro and Magnanelli stand out. Half the team in the pits therefore for Di Francesco, and one more reason for Pioli not to miss the appointment with the victory. The Nerazzurri coach will confirm the 3-4-2-1 already seen against Genoa, albeit with some different interpreters. So space for Handanovic in goal, D'Ambrosio, Miranda and Murillo in defence, Candreva, Brozovic, Melo and Ansaldi in midfield, Perisic and Joao Mario to support Icardi's lone striker. Almost obligatory training for Di Francesco, who will respond with a 4-3-3 that will see Consigli between the posts, Lirola, Antei, Acerci and Dell'Orco in the back department, Mazzitelli, Sensi and Missiroli in the midfield, Ricci, Defrel and Ragusa in the offensive trident.
