Roles reversed. For the first time in a long time, Milan-Naples will see the Azzurri as big favorites, moreover in the Milanese temple of San Siro. It is an absolute novelty, at least in the last twenty years. We have to go back to the times of Maradona in fact to remember a Napoli so launched, and it is no coincidence that the last victory of the Neapolitans in Milan dates back to 1986, when the Pibe de oro (in addition to Giordano) put his signature on the 1-2 the final. Then 10 Milan victories and 9 draws, confirming that for many seasons there was almost never history. This time, however, it's different and even the superstitious city on the slopes of Vesuvius is optimistic. On the other hand, the teams arrive at the big match in opposite conditions: the Rossoneri are bad luck, who have to thank good luck for not having lost in Turin and beating Celtic, the Azzurri were very good, with full points both in the league and in the Champions League . Just the Big Ears Cup confirmed how Benitez's men are now ready for the leap in quality, the definitive one of course. However, that passes from a good result at San Siro, possibly a victory. Conversely, the doubts would resurface about the Spanish-branded Napoli, to the delight of the rivals, Juventus in the lead. At the moment, in fact, the Azzurri scare more than Milan, who are not very credited for winning the Scudetto.
“I don't know how important the favorites are in football – admonished Adriano Galliani slyly. – Once upon a time, for example, it was said that the derbies were always won by the teams behind them…”. The CEO certainly doesn't rebel against the role of underdog, who for once puts more pressure on his opponents than on his Milan. However, it is clear that even the Rossoneri cannot afford too many missteps. As Galliani recalled, "the championship ends only in mid-May", but comebacks are not always successful and few wish to relive a thriller ending like last season's. The points from the top, currently occupied by Naples and Rome, are already 5 and could even become 8 in the event of a defeat, not to mention that, probably, the gap from Juventus, Inter, Fiorentina and one of the Romans would also increase. Yeah, but how to stop this very fast Naples? Allegri will recover Abate, Poli and Niang, which still doesn't allow him to rejoice, but yes to smile. Max's doubts once again concern the playmaker's role, currently reduced to the sad Robinho-Birsa ballot. Certainly not two first picks, albeit for different reasons, and so Milanello is evaluating the hypothesis of a return to the old, that 4-3-3 banned on the famous night in Arcore.
Would Berlusconi appreciate it? It is not known, but he would certainly like even less a performance in the style of Turin and Celtic, which would almost certainly lead to a defeat. In fact, Napoli will arrive at San Siro strong in body and morale. The men are all available, so much so that Benitez is spoiled for choice. Pandev-Insigne is a real ballot, first quality, as Jurgen Klopp understood the other evening and, consequently, the whole of Europe. Now, however, the Azzurri also want to amaze Italy, and in this sense the Scala of football seems to be the most suitable stage. Milan has the task of re-establishing the old hierarchies, if not for the whole championship, at least for one night.
