Former Fiorentina and Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli believes tonight’s match between Roma and Juventus is more important for the Bianconeri: ‘they can’t make any more mistakes’. The two sides square off at the Olimpico later today, with controversy still surrounding the rescission of coach Jose Mourinho’s two match ban following his sending off last weekend.
Speaking with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Prandelli explained why he believes Juve need the victory more than the Giallorossi and why he disagrees with Max Allegri on Juve making the top 4 this season being more valuable than three Scudetti:
“A place in the Champions League already belongs to Napoli, who have in fact already won the Scudetto, and for the other three it will be a tussle until the last day. But Lazio, Inter and Milan have something more than Roma. Atalanta can become the wild card, I really like Hojlund in Gasperini’s team. And then watch out for Juventus.”
Allegri said: ‘Finishing in the top four despite the -15 would be worth three Scudetti. Do you he agree?
“If it’s not worth a Scudetto, it’s close. It would be a great feat, but it’s not impossible. I can tell you that in 2006-07, I didn’t qualify for the Champions League with Fiorentina by a handful of points despite a penalty of 19 points, which was reduced to 15 along the way. The sting takes pressure off the Bianconeri, who now have no more obligations. Allegri will also be able to exploit one of the strongest tridents in Europe on paper for the comeback: Di Maria-Vlahovic-Chiesa is a crazy trio. For Juventus, the Champions League feat is possible, as long as they win all direct matches. Starting with today’s match against Roma.”
Tonight, in the big match at the Olimpico, who is more at risk between Roma and Juventus?
“It counts more for Juventus. Allegri’s team can no longer make mistakes to get back in the top four, and if they don’t beat Roma they can no longer hope for the Champions League. The Giallorossi’s strength is Mourinho. José has placed all the responsibility on his own shoulders to camouflage the technical limitations of the team, which is not at the level of its competitors.”
Lazio beat Napoli on Friday: surprised?
“Not so much. Napoli cannot win them all and Lazio are one of the most difficult teams to face. Sarri’s team has a precise tactical identity and this quality, combined with the goals of a ‘bomber’ like Immobile, who can make the difference in the fight for the top four places.”
Milan, on the other hand, have been reeling: A ‘KO’ in Florence.
“A bad setback after a positive period. We will see how Pioli’s team will react. The Rossoneri found a great Fiorentina, skilled in moving the ball vertically.”
Inter, who have already dropped a lot of points against the provincial teams, host Lecce today: any feelings?
“The Nerazzurri absolutely must win. Otherwise everything becomes more complicated. Not so much for a question of points, which are still many, but on a psychological level. Not winning would renew controversy, grumbling, insecurities. Teams often live on a thin psychological line. Potentially, Inter is one of the strongest in the league, but sometimes it seems to get stuck on its own. Watch out for Lecce: it is an interesting team, the general manager Corvino is a guarantee with young players.”
