Inzaghi finds his big players again and, with the push from San Siro, looks for the decisive break. Allegri ponders the coup with Yildiz and then takes advantage of the calendar and the weeks without European cups
“Important match, but not decisive.” Both Simone Inzaghi and Max Allegri said it. There is. A match that will be followed by 15 others, plus a repechage, cannot be decisive. But “important” is too little. Inter-Juve has the solemnity of a showdown that goes beyond 3 points and can characterize the entire Scudetto sprint. Inter will emerge from the Meazza tunnel with a one-point advantage over the Bianconeri and have the opportunity to return to the dressing room at +4, with a recovery in hand (Atalanta) and therefore with the possibility of imagining themselves at +7, an advantage that it would have the weight of a mortgage on the second star. In light of this accounting, if in the first leg Inzaghi was concerned about avoiding the damage of a possible defeat, rather than seeking escape, this time he will have to unleash Inter much more, driven by his own people, in a torrid Meazza, which The event has been brewing for weeks.
THE INZAGHI PLAN
—
A victory over Juve, ranking aside, would give the ideal boost to cross one of the most treacherous canyons of the season: De Rossi’s Roma at the Olimpico (10 February), the first round of 16 of the Champions League against Atletico Madrid (20 February) , the rough away match to Lecce (25 February) and, three days later, the recovery against a healthy Atalanta (28 February). This time Inzaghi can’t apply the handbrake. But not even Allegri, for the same reasons. Beyond the official showpieces, the propaganda of the Champions League place and the 20 points missing to reach it, Juve absolutely believes in the Scudetto. He runs for that and it couldn’t be otherwise, given the quality of the squad, the quantity of investments and, above all, the growth of the team which has always remained glued to the Nerazzurri, above the others. Only in official statements can Max be satisfied with a useful result.
THE ALLEGRI PLAN
—
He too will be looking for a victory tonight that could transform the championship race. Overtaking the league leaders in his living room would bring shovels of conviction and self-esteem into the heart of a young team that is shaping his personality. Juve could then follow up on the possible victory because, while Inter would slip into the canyon described with low morale, the Bianconeri could exploit the Udinese, Verona, Frosinone clearing to further strengthen their escape and, in the rest of the season , collect the bonus for weeks without European cups. For this reason, yesterday, Allegri explained that he expected a very different match from the blocked one in the first leg. Inter and Juve have too much need and too much desire to win it. For this reason, the stellar battle at San Siro is much more decisive than important. The two teams present themselves in top condition. The Nerazzurri’s hard-fought victory in Florence and the Bianconeri’s home draw with Empoli count up to a certain point. Inter were intoxicated by the Arab efforts and without Calhanoglu, Barella and Dimarco. With the return of the three fresh columns, we can expect an Inter more similar to that of Riyadh against Lazio. Milik’s expulsion tainted Juve-Empoli. Rabiot and Chiesa return to San Siro and, compared to the first leg, Max has one more Yildiz to spend. To the defensive and overall solidity, Allegri has added more quality in construction. The 6 goals scored against Lecce and Sassuolo had the feeling of a turning point, beyond the short face. Today Juve is more at ease in the center of the ring, he doesn’t just strike in matches. Wrapped in a more proactive game, Vlahovic has flourished again.
THE BEST IN SAN SIRO
—
Lautaro (19 goals) and Vlahovic (12) face each other in front of the saloon with guns smoking. They riddled January: 5 goals for the Nerazzurri, 6 for the Bianconeri. In the first leg they drew 1-1. What can we expect besides their spectacular duel? Lots of energy on the flanks: the last 3 goals against Inter, Juve scored by galloping down the left, with Kostic and Chiesa; Inter’s last match against Juve was born from a drive by Thuram to the right. And then the protagonist raiders, starting with Barella and Rabiot, because Inter and Juve love to gather and fill the area running. Yildiz’s technical imagination is a new variable for Inzaghi. Chiesa is much more than a change, as is Frattesi. Benches can redesign the scene. The hold of the forts, the least beaten, was decisive: 10 goals conceded by Sommer, 13 by Szczesny. The best strikers and the best defenses: Inter-Juve offers the top of the range. No, it won’t be a match like the others. It will smell like a championship.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED