The last trophy of the year to close in the best possible way. A calendar year or an era of over thirty years makes no difference, what matters is only the Italian Super Cup, up for grabs on the unusual and evocative stage of Doha. At Jassim Bin Hamad (17.30 Italian time) a very particular challenge will be staged and not only for the historic rivalry that divides the two teams. In fact, a final is always something different, in which elements take over that can shuffle the cards on the eve.
Both want to win it, that's for sure. Juventus want to continue their domination, already reaffirmed with the Scudetto, the Coppa Italia and the leadership in the current standings, while Milan, in addition to reviewing a trophy after 5 years (the last one was the Supercoppa, won against Inter in 2011), would like to greet Silvio Berlusconi with a success, the 29th of his era. In fact, in March, barring sensational twists (in any case possible even if yesterday Yonghong Li, head of the Chinese consortium, reiterated that the closing will take place soon), the Rossoneri will close a chapter that lasted 30 years, the brightest of the whole their story.
On paper, with technical values in hand, Juve are the favourites, although Milan, in the 3 matches staged in the calendar year, have never shown their flank much. So far the balance shows two black and white victories (one in extra time during the Italian Cup final) and a red and black one, the latter accrued in the recent championship clash (1-0 goal by Locatelli).
“If we want to win the trophy we have to play a fair game – warned Allegri. – They will be angry and hungry, but we come from a very positive period and this could make us approach the match with a pinch of presumption. It would be a very serious mistake, this is the last goal for 2016 and we will have no chance of revenge”.
The Juventus coach keeps everyone on edge, while the Rossoneri coach doesn't need to. The last cup, as previously mentioned, dates back to 5 years ago, which is why the risk of a "full belly" just doesn't exist. The troubles, if anything, could come in other respects: in fact, there are few in the Milan squad who are familiar with the finals, a big difference from all the Bianconeri "medalists".
Once again, therefore, it will be Vincenzo Montella who will have to put his own effort into it, in an attempt to fill a much clearer gap than what the rankings say. “We'll have to equalize it with competitive spirit, I like the idea of a battle team – explained the Rossoneri coach. – Juve are strong, this is known, but we will play as we know how, putting energy and maximum tactical acumen on the field. I want to make one thing clear: we don't feel pressure or heaviness, we are here on merit and we want to enjoy it."
Interesting game also from a tactical point of view, with two teams that will play a lot on the opponent's mistake rather than on their own strengths. It has been like this in the previous 3 games this year and it is unlikely that things can change in a final, played in a decidedly unusual climate for the month of December. On the other hand, there are few references to the question of flight delays, evidently too inflated previously to find space even on the eve.
Above all, issues relating to formations, in particular that of Juve, held the ground: in addition to the Dybala-Mandzukic ballot, it remains to be seen whether Pjanic and Lichtsteiner will be able to play or not. Decisive audition this morning, because Allegri is trying in every way to recover both. In the event of a “thumbs up” it will be 4-3-1-2 with Buffon in goal, Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini and Alex Sandro in defence, Khedira, Marchisio, Sturaro in midfield, Pjanic in the trocar behind Higuain and one of Dybala and Mandzukic in attack. No doubts instead at Milan, where Montella has decided to propose a rather balanced 4-3-3 with Donnarumma between the posts, Abate, Paletta, Romagnoli and De Sciglio in the back, Kucka, Locatelli and Bertolacci in the midfield, Suso, Bacca and Bonaventure in the offensive trident.
