Two of Serie A’s heavyweights go head-to-head on Tuesday as AC Milan host league leaders Napoli at the San Siro in a match that could have major implications for the Scudetto race.
Napoli arrive in Milan as the team to beat, having won six of their last seven matches across all competitions. Antonio Conte’s side sit atop the Serie A table, eight points clear of the Rossoneri. Their impressive run has included six clean sheets in their last seven games, outscoring opponents 16-1 during that stretch.
AC Milan’s form has been more inconsistent, with three wins and two losses in their last five league matches. However, they did secure a morale-boosting Champions League victory over Club Brugge last week to kickstart their European campaign.
Christian Pulisic has been in scintillating form for Milan, contributing a goal or assist in each of his last seven league appearances. The American will be crucial to the Rossoneri’s attacking threat.
For Napoli, all eyes will be on Romelu Lukaku as he returns to his former stomping ground. The Belgian striker needs one more goal involvement to reach 100 in Serie A.
This match pits Paulo Fonseca’s fluid 4-2-3-1 system against Antonio Conte’s disciplined 3-5-2 formation. Milan will look to dominate possession and create chances through their dynamic front four, while Napoli’s strength lies in their solid defensive structure and clinical counterattacking.
Team News
Milan will be without suspended duo Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders, while long-term absentees Ismael Bennacer and Alessandro Florenzi remain sidelined. Filippo Terracciano is likely to deputize at left-back in Hernandez’s absence.
For Napoli, key midfielder Stanislav Lobotka could return from a thigh injury to replace Billy Gilmour. Wingers Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Matteo Politano are set to be restored to the starting lineup after being rested at the weekend.
Expected Starting XIs
AC Milan: Maignan; Emerson, Tomori, Gabbia, Terracciano; Fofana, Loftus-Cheek; Chukwueze, Pulisic, Leao; Morata
Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Olivera; Anguissa, Lobotka; Politano, McTominay, Kvaratskhelia; Lukaku
Match Prediction
While Napoli’s recent form makes them slight favorites, Milan’s home advantage could prove crucial. Both teams possess plenty of attacking firepower, but the defences may come out on top in what promises to be a tense, tactical affair. A 1-1 draw seems the most likely outcome, leaving the title race finely poised heading into the second half of the season.
Prediction: Milan 1-2 Napoli
