One more exam. Yet another for Napoli and Inter, called to get up after last week's falls against Turin and Fiorentina. Which, of course, had a rather strong effect on the standings: the Azzurri saw themselves dangerously approaching Lazio, Fiorentina and Sampdoria (yesterday's 2-0 victory over Cagliari), the Nerazzurri missed an excellent opportunity to shorten on who is in front. Different objectives for Benitez and Mancini, there is no doubt about this, yet both, in the postponement of the San Paolo (20.45 pm) are looking for a victory that would be very important.
“It's a very difficult match because Napoli are a great team – the words of the Inter manager. – Beating an opponent who is above us in the standings would be very important, it would give us great confidence." In fact, Inter have always missed the appointment against the big teams: in fact, this season, between round trips, they have never managed to win a big match. It's easy to think that, otherwise, the situation would be very different today and that the Nerazzurri could really have aspired to a Champions League finish.
“The only game that disappointed me was the 0-0 draw with Empoli – Mancini cut short. – In the others we have always played and in any case this year's work will certainly not be wasted. Because next time we'll fight for the Scudetto, that's for sure." Important words from the coach from Jesi, more and more driving force in a club that relied entirely on him to get back to greatness. However, it is clear that the economic (the Uefa sanctions will arrive shortly) and technical difficulties make the mission difficult, starting from this evening. Where Inter will find a Napoli motivated to cancel the bad defeat in Turin.
“We will all have to be united, San Paolo will be able to make a difference – explained Benitez. – It won't be easy, they were already strong before but with the market they have strengthened further. In fact, in the Coppa Italia it was a balanced challenge, decided only in the final". Respect and pre-tactics, in this Napoli and Inter are very similar. The technical difference, on the other hand, is evident, with the landlords "forced" even to deal with the great abundance. "It's right that competition be created between the players, I'm happy to have this problem" glossed over the Spanish coach, grappling with a rather difficult choice: who to leave out between Mertens, Callejon and Gabbiadini? It will probably be the Belgian's turn to start from the bench, also because you really can't give up a Gabbiadini like that.
Benitez's 4-2-3-1 will see Andujar in goal, Henrique, Koulibaly, Albiol and Ghoulam in defense, David Lopez and Inler in midfield, Callejon, Hamsik and Gabbiadini in the frontline, Higuain in attack. Mancini, on the other hand, has only one big doubt: risk Icardi or not? The numbers say that the Argentine is untouchable but the little muscle problem of the other day, combined with the imminent European commitment with Wolfsburg, advise caution. The coach from Jesi will only decide at the last minute, in any case it will be a relay race with Podolski. For the rest, the usual 4-3-1-2 with Handanovic in goal, D'Ambrosio, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus and Santon in defense, Guarin, Medel and Brozovic in midfield, Shaqiri in the trocar and Palacio in attack.
