Napoli will welcome AC Milan to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday for a Serie A one-on-one clash, with kickoff slated for 19:45 GMT.
Key Highlights
Napoli’s Steady Rise
Napoli have been playing catchup in the league after falling behind with their two losses and two draws in the opening nine matches in Serie A.
A win over Milan will cut the gap between the two sides down to one point, giving Napoli a chance to further bolster their ability to defend their Scudetto.
Milan’s Wobble on Form in Recent Matches
After a sterling start, Milan have lost twice and lost the top spot to Inter Milan by a point. They have won four times and lost once in their last five matches.
The 0-1 home loss against Juventus was especially emblematic of Milan’s season so far. They will look to win a major match against Napoli on Sunday to get their title charge back on track.
Bet hereInjury Report
Napoli
Center-forward Victor Osimhen is a major doubt for Napoli heading into their home clash against Milan on Sunday. The 24-year-old striker has been nursing a hamstring muscle injury since October 13th, which has sidelined him for the last two Napoli matches.
Central midfielder Frank Anguissa is also facing a hamstring muscle injury. The 24-year-old midfielder has been out since October 8th. Anguissa is expected to return by October 29th; however, the clash with Milan might come too soon for the 27-year-old.
Napoli will also be without center-back Juan Jesus. The experienced 30-year-old is recovering from a hamstring muscle injury that has kept him out of action for the last eight Napoli outings.
Milan
Center-back Malik Thiaw is suspended for the trip to Napoli due to a red card in the previous match.
Milan will also be without center-forward Noah Okafor, with the 23-year-old nursing a muscle fatigue problem since October 24th, forcing him to miss the previous match for Milan.
Goalkeeper Marco Sportiello (muscular problems) and right winger Samuel Chukwueze (hamstring muscle injury) are both doubts for the trip to Naples on Sunday. Sportiello is out since October 19th while Chukwueze is out since October 16th.
The summer signing from Chelsea Ruben Loftus-Cheek is dealing with adductor pain that has sidelined him for the last six Milan outings.
Center-back Mattia Caldara (ankle surgery) and defensive midfielder Ismael Bennacer (knee surgery) are long absentees for Milan. Caldara has missed 18 matches while Bennacer has missed 22 outings for Milan.
Possible Lineups
Napoli
A. Meret; M. Rui, Natan, A. Rrahmani, G. Di Lorenzo; P. Zielinski, S. Lobotka, J. Cajuste; K. Kvaratskhelia, G. Raspadori, M. Politano
Milan
M. Maignan; T. Hernandez, S. Kjaer, F. Tomori, P. Kalulu; Y. Musah, R. Krunic, T. Reijnaders; R. Leao, O. Giroud, C. Pulisic
Prediction
Napoli will be bright and proactive in their approach; they will stick to their signature style of play, comprising a high press, a high line, and attacking intent.
The home side will look to make a fast start, force Milan back into their half, and create chances to take the early lead and establish the rhythm of the match from early on.
Milan will be pragmatic in their approach, especially with their recent poor form. They will be compact and solid in their approach as they build patiently and look to frustrate Napoli.
Milan will look to use pace down the flanks to create chances for their attacking players and give the Napoli defense some cause for concern.
Napoli will win the home match and keep within touching distance of Inter at the top of the Serie A table.
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