And to think that in the last Milanello “fixing” he was on the bench. Indeed. For Luka Jović the odds were down, but not through any fault of his own: simply because for days rather firm rumors had been arriving about a probable alternating of the centre-forwards between Atalanta and Inter. In short, Abraham was expected, and not just anyone in this year’s derbies: his the goal that had won the Supercup, his the goal of the first round in the Coppa Italia. But these days Conceição evidently saw something else and decided to reward Luka.
Athletic form excellent, but above all a clear mind, which throughout his career has often been his least fierce side. Faced with the Nerazzurri’s physicality, Jović seemed the least suited of the two strikers. He won. Conceição won. Milan won. And perhaps even Luka beat Milan.
Yes, because in June the Rossonero No. 9’s contract will expire. The club, however, just like last summer, once again has the option to extend it for another season. And never more than at this time does the team up front need a bit of certainty among loaned strikers (Abraham), purchases caught up (Giménez) and youngsters still too young (Camarda). In short, at the moment—just to venture another “fixing”—the situation would suggest that the Serbian will remain next season as well.
If Luka has truly returned, it will be one of the best pieces of news to land on Milanello because when one talks about him one never disputes his technical qualities—they’re top level—but rather his mental and physical resilience. It’s no coincidence that Conceição made everyone smile when after the game he said this—“He lost a bit of weight and that was important”—but he was, as always, honest.
Then Conceicao explained what Luka Jovic in particular offers to the team dynamics:
"He is someone who plays very well behind the opponents’ midfielders; we wanted his support and the lay-offs to go into the wide areas."
Meanwhile, Jovic has earned the highest rating, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport, in the derby thanks to his brace and great effort: 8.
