Our football never stops. After the emotions of the Coppa Italia it is already time to go back to thinking about the championship and that last day of the first round which will sanction the new winter champion. A verdict that counts up to a certain point, as we know, but which often anticipates by a few months what then happens in May, when the real Scudetto is awarded.
It won't take much time to find out who will win the title of winter champion: in fact, this evening Napoli, in case of victory, will mathematically celebrate it without even waiting for the result of Juve, the only one who could snatch it from them at the photo finish.
Crotone permitting however, because Zenga's team, soundly beaten by Lazio in the previous round, literally knows how to transform themselves within the friendly walls of Scida, a terrain on which, in fact, they have already built their last salvation. And then, beyond the public, the Calabrians really need points: the standings see them in third from last place together with Spal, with only two points ahead of Verona.
However, Napoli certainly cannot be softened, especially now that Juventus has resumed traveling at their usual (crazy) pace and that the championship is about to make the so-called halfway point. Once you get here, the points begin to weigh, both if earned and if lost, which is why the stages considered "easy" risk turning into the most dangerous traps. Also because the Christmas festivities were in the middle and the players still pulled the plug a bit, even if only for two or three days: the English are used to it, we definitely aren't.
Sarri is expected to have a difficult week which will also see him involved in the Italian Cup (Tuesday at the San Paolo against Atalanta) but now he has to think only of Crotone. It is no coincidence that he will face him with the best possible formation, net of the disqualification of Mario Rui and the "usual" injuries of Milik and Ghoulam. His 4-3-3 will thus see Reina in goal, Maggio, Albiol, Koulibaly and Hysaj in defence, Allan, Jorginho and Hamsik in midfield, Callejon, Mertens and Insigne in attack.
“I'm a fan of Sarri, others in his place would have given up instead he has made an extraordinary journey – Zenga's words – I want my team to focus on the pleasure of playing a game like this, you have to take the field with joy and with a stadium full”.
The Crotone coach is well aware that only a huge company could allow him to snatch points from Napoli, which is why he has chosen to charge the environment by removing pressure. On the pitch, however, technique and tactics will be needed and Zenga will try with a 4-3-3 with Cordaz between the posts, Sampirisi, Simic, Ceccherini and Martella in the back, Rhoden, Barberis and Mandragora in the midfield, Trotta, Budimir and Stoian in the trident offensive.
