After a long World Cup break, the Italian league returned today (Wednesday) to activity in a holiday atmosphere. The round of 16 is played in full and the leading Napoli will be hosted by Inter for a heated top-flight battle. In the two games that opened the cycle, Milan beat Salernitana 1:2 away and Sassuolo, wonder and wonder: Sampdoria got their second win of the season.
Inter – Napoli (21:45)
The World Cup break stopped the crazy momentum of the most impressive team in Europe and now Napoli is back in action with one of the most difficult games against the powerful Inter in their home stadium. While the Blues race to the championship with a gap of eight points at the top and 11 consecutive league wins, for Inter this game is crucial as they fight with 3 other teams for the fourth place and the ticket to the Champions League. The Napoli stars Victor Osiman and Javicha Cabrezadalia rested during the World Cup and will start the attack when they are especially fresh, while against Otro Martinez, the new world champion is expected to start on the Inter bench. The injured Marcelo Brozovic will be absent.
The Winner experts gave a slight preference to Inter with a ratio of 2.10 for the victory of the home team, compared to 3.05 for a draw and 2.75 for the victory of Napoli. So even though the break stopped the leader’s momentum, those who bet that she will continue in the same form after the World Cup will earn a nice winning ratio.
Salernitana – Milan 2:1
Last season, Milan dropped an advantage in Salerno, fell behind and finally forced a 2:2 draw. Today she got involved in drama again, but this time the advantage was big enough for her not to drop it. Sandro Tonali set up Rafael Laao (10) and scored himself (15) – two goals that Mammo Ochoa could have done more to prevent in his debut. But later the veteran Mexican provided a performance and with a series of saves prevented defeat. On the other side, Federico Bonazzoli scored from close range (83) and over 20,000 local fans dreamed of a comeback, but Milan came forward, kept Salernitana away and completed a victory.
Cremonese – Juventus (19:30, Sport1)
After a terrible start to the season, Juventus won six straight before the World Cup break and jumped to third place. The fight for places 2-4 is very close and the old lady will try to leave the stadium of the only team in Italy that has not won even once. The visitors will miss Vlahovic, Cuadardo, Pogba and the injured Bonucci in this game, with Arkadiusz Milik and Moises Cain expected to start the attack and behind them Adrien Rabiot, the recent vice-champion of the world. New world champions Angel Di Maria and Andrew Paredes have arrived in Italy, but the wonderful midfielder who scored in the final against France will not be included in the squad due to injury.
More games:
Sassuolo – Sampdoria 2:1
For Sassuolo: Domenico Berardi (64, penalty). For Sampdoria: Manolo Gabbiadini (25), Tommaso Augello (28)
Spezia – Atalanta (15:30)
Turin – Verona (15:30)
Rome – Bologna (17:30)
Lecce – Lazio (17:30)
Fiorentina – Monza (19:30)
Udinese – Empoli (21:45)
The teams will not have too much time to rest and already on Saturday the 17th round will start.