The litmus test has arrived. Rome and Naples, for the umpteenth time, are called to give continuity so as not to find themselves crying over spilled milk. Failing the matches with Sassuolo and Empoli, in fact, would bring to light all the doubts about the solidity of both, as well as about the real strength of the respective candidacies for the championship.
This is especially true for the Azzurri: making a mistake in the San Paolo match against Martusciello's team would be unforgivable, especially in light of the imminent match against Juventus next Saturday. On the other hand, the commitment of the Giallorossi is more insidious: Sassuolo in the home version is an ugly beast and overcoming it would be a good sign of strength and mentality.
“It's a strong and well-trained team, capable of hurting anyone – explained Spalletti. – This isn't the time to talk about the Scudetto, of course balance in the upper part of the standings can only do us good".
For the coach this will be a very delicate game, like the rest of the season. The contract renewal would be ready but he doesn't want to split the signing when the seasonal goals are achieved. “My players have the pen – he confirmed from the Trigoria press room. – Roma need to win, if you don't succeed you have to go home”.
The first step therefore starts from Reggio Emilia, where the Giallorossi will present themselves with a 4-2-3-1 with Szczesny in goal, Florenzi, Fazio, Manolas and Emerson in defence, De Rossi and Strootman in midfield, Salah, Nainggolan and El Shaarawy on the trocar behind the lone striker Dzeko.
Di Francesco, ex never forgotten by the Romanist environment, will respond with a 4-3-3 with Consigli between the posts, Lirola, Cannavaro, Acerbi and Peluso in the back department, Biondini, Sensi and Pellegrini in the midfield, Politano, Matri and Defrel in the offensive trident.
Easier match, at least on paper, for Sarri's Napoli, called to beat Empoli at the San Paolo in order not to ruin the pre-Juventus. In fact, a misstep would remove many meanings from the Turin challenge, as well as create new problems for an ever-fluctuating environment on an emotional level.
The Azzurri will try to do their duty with the classic 4-3-3 with Reina in goal, Hysaj, Maksimovic, Koulibaly and Ghoulam in defense, Zielinski, Diawara and Hamsik in midfield, Callejon, Mertens and Insigne in attack.
Martusciello, only partially relieved by the 0-0 draw with Chievo (his Empoli remains third from bottom in the standings), will try the feat with the 4-3-1-2, with Skorupski between the posts, Veseli, Bellusci, Costa and Pasqual in the back department, Tello, Mauri and Croce in the middle, Saponara in the trocar behind the Maccarone-Pucciarelli couple.
