Objective 7 June 2015. The final of the Coppa Italia, scheduled as usual at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, is now just a stone's throw away. That's why no one wants to stumble right now, when the scent of the title is intense and decisive in the air. The first leg of the semi-final between Lazio and Naples ended in a draw, a 1-1 that puts the Neapolitans slightly ahead of the Romans. In fact, Benitez, in the second leg on 8 April, will be able to manage the match thanks to the away goal, a strike from Gabbiadini (58') which made up for Lazio's advantage. In fact, Klose's goal (33') was not enough for Pioli's men, unable to realize the domination of the first half (post by the German and chance by Felipe Anderson) which could have increased the distances. A fair draw for the Olimpico, because the beautiful first half from Lazio was followed by a second with a clear Neapolitan style, as evidenced by David Lopez's crossbar and other goals. “It was a match of great intensity, it almost seemed like the Premier League – thought Benitez. – We suffered in the first half, but then we came out thanks also to being in good physical condition. I'm satisfied, we win and lose all together." “The result disadvantages us even if the return remains open – Pioli regrets. – It's not the result we would have liked, it would have been better not to concede. In Naples, however, we can score."
Everything is in the balance also in Turin, tonight the scene of the second semi-final (20.45 pm) between Juventus and Fiorentina. A game of great charm, partly due to the good moment of both, partly due to a historic rivalry among the most heated in the entire Italian football scene. The match comes at a very hot time of the season, made up of many commitments with a high risk coefficient. Between the championship and the European cups, the Bianconeri and the Viola are playing every three days and this could affect the show. “This phase is decisive, we have a duty to get to the end – explained Allegri in the press conference. – With Fiorentina they could play the most used ones and then, maybe, I'll make some substitutions against Sassuolo. Juventus haven't won this trophy for 20 years, I'll send the best team onto the pitch." Clear words even if, in essence, the turnover will be done. After the parenthesis contiana in Rome, the Juventus coach will return to the 4-man defence, albeit in a completely new version. In goal, as always in the Coppa Italia, space for Storari, on the wings Caceres and Padoin, between Ogbonna and Barzagli, making their seasonal debut after 9 months off. The midfield on the other hand, excluding the unavailable Pirlo, will be the starting one with Vidal, Marchisio and Pogba, the latter under special observation after last week's minor injury. Attacking tactical variant: no attacking midfielder, space instead for a pure trident with Llorente acting as a tower for the wingers Pepe and Coman. Men's problems instead for Montella, forced to play the game without many starters. A big problem in such a busy period, yet, in terms of results, his Fiorentina have never been better, so much so that the Della Valles, after 13 years without a mouth, hope to finally be able to lift a trophy.
“We have two available but in the Coppa Italia the road is shorter than in the Europa League – admitted Montella. – The owners want to win and we too will face the best in Italy without awe. We're a bit limited in defense and in midfield, maybe I'm the one who's better off… I'll send a competitive team onto the field anyway”. Out Basanta, Savic, Tomovic, Pizarro and Babacar: the Viola coach's choices are almost obligatory. In front of Neto (by the way, the Brazilian will challenge the team that will become his from next July) a 3-man line with Richards, Gonzalo Rodriguez and Marcos Alonso, a 5-man midfield with Joaquin, Badel, Borja Valero, Aquilani and Pasqual, a duo of attack formed by Salah and Mario Gomez, with Diamanti, Ilicic and Gilardino pounding on the bench. Juventus Stadium sold out in every order of place, testifying that this Coppa Italia is tempting for everyone.
