But in the final Napoli raises its head. After a ballistic magic by Mertens (3-2), in the very long recovery (8 minutes) Spalletti’s team nearly equalized twice: in the first, Handanovic managed to deflect Mario Rui’s splash over the crossbar. Shortly after, Mertens himself, all alone, kicks to the stars. A final with a heart in his throat which, by rewarding Inter, certifies the value of Napoli, but only intermittently combative. “In the first half we lacked the courage” Spalletti said angrily, not satisfied with having lost at San Siro with Inter.
The fall of Milan
Milan’s run in Florence was heavy. Taking four goals like that, after 208 days of unbeaten play, can affect the certainties of the Rossoneri. Both in terms of ranking and self-esteem. In Florence, in addition to the Fantozziani errors of the defense (and not only of the goalkeeper Tatarusanu, but also of the bewildered Gabbia and the narcissus Teo Hernandez), there was a lot of presumption and very little humility. Especially in the first half, when the Rossoneri got torn apart by Vlahovic and his associates. Then, at three to zero, they had the strength to reopen the game, but it was too late. Then there is a lot of indulging in the goalkeeper’s duck, but even Ibrahimovic himself, who scored a brace in the second half, lost the 1-1 goal in the first half. Perhaps, without that clumsy mistake, things would have taken another turn. Bad for once also Pioli who was again outwitted by the aggression of Vincenzo Italiano, a technician specialized in making shoes for the Rossoneri, always put out of action by the speed of the Viola, who with this success keep pace with Juve . The only positive aspect of the Milan fans’ thud is that they have never given the feeling of being in disarmament or of having lost their brilliant game.
The cynical Allegri rejoices
As if he laughs, Allegri! Beating two to zero, with two penalties, Sarri’s Lazio is the best the Juventus coach could wish for. Beyond the rebounds in the ranking, what amuses him is precisely the mode, almost mocking. As it was said: come on ahead, dear Professor Sarri, tickle me with your beautiful game that so much appeals to beautiful souls who understand nothing about football. At the end of all that movement there is nothing left, while we, who are ugly and bad, scored two goals. On penalty, of course, Why are penalties not valid? If they fight well … bye professor, see you next time …
That we are close to reality, as shown by Sarri’s angry reaction on the first penalty against Morata, an obvious penalty, as well as the second one, rightly granted by the Var. Losing with two penalties is certainly not pleasant, but the truth is that the Lazio ran in circles. Lots of smoke, no roasts.