Milan and Napoli have been the standard setters in Serie A in recent weeks, and will now clash in the culmination of the fifth round for the top of the table.
Milan’s early slip up didn’t hold them down and the Rossoneri bounced back a week later, starting the current four-match winning streak. Theoretically, Milan have not faced serious opposition yet and have much to prove in the coming weeks, but right now, there is a new feeling around them that suggests they could be part of the title race this season. The most impressive part of their game has been the defence, as the Rossoneri haven’t conceded in four matches in a row.
On the other end, Napoli have done exactly what you’d expect from champions – to win every match. The 2-0 defeat away at Man City is not part of our analysis, as that’s a completely different competition and it is quite clear that the English side is on a different level overall. But in Serie A, Napoli have been errorless with four wins in four rounds, and the only remark is related to their defence, which has not been without its flaws.
How the bookies view it: Slightly surprising favourites?
Surprising or not, the champions are not the betting favourites in this match. We expected a smaller gap between the odds, but bookmakers actually gave Milan a solid advantage at 27/20, while Napoli are available at 11/5.
Recent head-to-head: Napoli won twice last season
This rivalry has never been easy to predict, regardless of the current forms of the two teams. The recent H2H stats show complete equality between them, as both Napoli and Milan have won four matches each in the last 10 meetings. We should note that Napoli won both games last season, but we should also remind you that this is no longer the same Milan.
Players to watch: Pulisic to pull out another masterclass
Christian Pulisic is awake and kicking, as his goal contributions helped the team win most of their recent games. He began scoring as soon as the early Coppa Italia fixture before Serie A started. And since then, the American has scored three more times, including a brace against Udinese last week. Pulisic proved he can play any role last season and finished the campaign with 20 goal contributions. Can he find an opening in Napoli’s defence?
Probable line-ups
AC Milan: Maignan, Saelemaekers, Pavlovic, Gabbia, Fofana, Esupinan, Rabiot, Modric, Pulisic, Gimenez
Napoli: Meret, Di Lorenzo, Spinazzola, Jesus, Beukema, Lobotka, Anguissa, De Bruyne, Politano, McTominay, Hojlund
Anything else catch the eye?
What happens when two managers with defensive styles clash? We normally see fewer goals but an incredible tactical battle. This is what we expect from this match. Milan have been impressive but haven’t faced a team from the Top 4 yet. Napoli have been flawless in Serie A to date but have also not been tasked with a team like Milan. Plus, their defence will benefit from some improvement.
All in all, we’ll bet on the draw, as we can’t imagine either side winning this matchup. Perhaps a little goal exchange and an endless battle in the midfield.
GambleAware