Milan, it's great being Ibra-dependent
'In Turin to win'. Ibra launches his battle cry. Sunday evening will be the first test for the two major teams in the championship.
The Rossoneri arrive better to the challenge. After a slow start the champions of Italy have found their game, confidence and above all Ibrahimovic. Juve after a convincing start, have struggled with Bologna and Catania.
If Juve is a bit lost, Milan has found itself. And it has found its most important man again: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede, returning after two weeks, was the best on the pitch yesterday: he got the penalty and assisted Cassano for the 2-0.
When Ibrahimovic is there you see and feel him. It’s another Milan. Beyond his undoubted technical skills, his leadership weighs a ton in the pitch and the changing room. Ibrahimovic is one of the few players (along with Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney) to be able to win a game by himself. Is Milan Ibra-dependent? It's an old debate, but the Rossoneri have shown they are able to cope without him. But when he is there - of course - everything runs better.The Ibra- Cassano duo seems to work wonderfully well (unlike Pato-Cassano, disastrously). With hindsight Cassano has not been a big mistake. If he manages to find continuity and confidence he can be critical, taking into account the continuing physical problems of the Brazilian.
Four days to the match AC Milan seems to have a weapon more to hurt Juve. Unless Conte can surprise us.