It could have been a Scudetto challenge, at least according to the summer forecasts. Instead Napoli-Inter will be a match without particular ranking interests, even if both have not yet mathematically reached their objectives. But if the Azzurri's second place is almost a formality, the Europa League area interests Inter up to a certain point. That's why a fun and carefree match could be staged at the San Paolo, even if the coaches don't admit it openly.
“Whatever happens, it doesn't seem like there is the math for second place in the Champions League – said Walter Mazzarri. – The goal difference now gives us advantages, but if Milan were to finish on equal points, it could change, so there will be no official announcement. We don't have to think about it and we won't, just as we won't look at others ". Less interested in the standings (for obvious reasons) Andrea Stramaccioni, involved in the Milan chaos against his will.
According to the reconstruction of the Corriere della Sera, Allegri, before choosing Rome, would have refused a substantial offer from Inter. “When I read that news too, I thought… 'The only thing missing was him' – joked Strama. – Allegri has my respect, but all those directly involved have denied…”. Yes, even the Nerazzurri club, which distanced itself from the Corriere article yesterday morning. However, doubts remain, partly due to the reliability of the source, partly due to Stramaccioni's position, always in the balance despite Moratti's reassurances. “I'm fine – replied the person concerned. – At work I am always serene because I really want to do well”.
Mazzarri's situation was certainly more tangled, as he too was touched by the news from Milan. Because he too was given close to Roma, the same team with which his Napoli will close the championship. “Only then will you know what I'm going to do – admitted the Tuscan coach. – With Bigon I'm talking about many things now too, if De Laurentiis comes I'll talk to him too, but I'll only make decisions when there are mathematical verdicts".
In short, it is better to talk about the match, if only because it is a clearer topic. Napoli are undoubtedly favourites, both for their objective superiority over their opponents and for the accident emergency that has hit them. “Go and watch the match against Atalanta, the one against Cagliari ditto: how hard did we get to score three points? – warned Mazzarri. – Inter are ahead of these two teams and have important players and in these games they all face us with blood in their eyes. You always need the perfect match."
High tension also for Stramaccioni, aware that taking away points from the San Paolo will be far from simple: “Playing at the San Paolo is not easy and it wouldn't have been even if we had been at the top. After the elimination in the Europa League they showed their strength in the league deserving second place with deeds. But, despite the accident emergency, I see a calm group. We trained well and the conditions of the players available are good, then we recovered Guarin and Cambiasso. They are important comebacks, we will see who and if they play from the start”.
In reality neither of them should start from the first minute, but their return to the bench is still good news. No call-up for Cassano, however, who could meet again on Wednesday against Lazio or at the latest on Sunday in Genoa. At the San Paolo it will be an emergency as usual, with the forced defense (both Samuel and Silvestre are unavailable), the confirmation of Benassi from the first minute and the "usual" attack duo Alvarez - Rocchi. All normal on the Naples front, except for a physical problem for Campagnaro which will force Mazzarri to field Gamberini.
POSSIBLE FORMATIONS
Naples (3-4-1-2): De Sanctis; Gamberini, Cannavaro, Britos; May, Behrami, Dzemaili, Zuniga; Hamsik; Cavani, Pandev.
On the bench: Rosati, Colombo, Grava, Rolando, Mesto, Inler, Donadel, Armero, Radosevic, El Kaddouri, Calaiò, Insigne.
Trainer: Walter Mazzarri.
Unavailable: Campagnaro.
Disqualified: nobody.
Beware: Pandev, Calaiò, Gamberini, Inler, Armero, Zuniga, Insigne, Maggio.
Inter Milan (3-5-2): Handanovic; Frog, Chivu, Juan Jesus; Jonathan, Benassi, Kovacic, Kuzmanovic, Pereira; Alvarez, Rocchi.
On the bench: Carrizo, Belec, Pasa, Ferrara, Spendlhofer, Cambiasso, Schelotto, Guarin, Garritano, Forte.
Trainer: Andrea Stramaccioni.
Unavailable: Obi, Mudingayi, Milito, Zanetti, Castellazzi, Nagatomo, Stankovic, Palacio, Mbaye, Cassano, Gargano, Samuel, Silvestre.
Disqualified: nobody.
Beware: Cambiasso, Palacio, Pereira.
Referee: Antonio Giannoccaro (Lecce).
Line Assistants: Whites – Blank.
Port Assistants: Rocchi – Irrati.
Fourth official: Dobosz.
