NAPOLI are set to dethrone AC Milan as kings of Italy but it's the Rossoneri who have the edge as they battle for continental supremacy in the Champions League quarter-finals.
A tense first leg at the San Siro last week saw Stefano Pioli's men edge a 1-0 win, with Slips Tips left to rue an early sitter from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after backing the Georgian to help Napoli take something from the game.
Luciano Spalletti's side created the better chances in Milan and will be confident of turning the tie around at home as they bid for a dream double this season.
They have been champions-in-waiting for months after streaking clear at the top of Serie A but are wobbling a little as they close in on the finishing line.
It's now just one win in four games after a stalemate with Verona at the weekend but Spalletti had the luxury of resting some key men for the Euro return.
AC Milan's form is also far from impressive, with just two victories in their last eight outings. But both those wins came against Napoli and that could give them a psychological edge as they bid to reach the semi-finals.
A place in next season's Champions League is far from guaranteed with Pioli's side sitting just two points ahead of city rivals Inter in fourth place, so they need a morale boost heading down the home straight.
How the bookies view it
AC Milan are favourites to qualify at a best 3/4 with SportingIndex after their first leg win but they are 17/4 with BetUK for a win on the night. The 6/5 at Unibet for Napoli to reach the semis looks good value given they're only a goal behind and will have a passionate crowd behind them. For a win on the night, Spalletti's side are just 4/5 at Midnite while the draw pays 14/5 with the same firm.
Recent head to head
AC Milan claimed a shock 4-0 win on their last visit to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona earlier this month then followed it up with that victory in the first leg of this tie. But there was little between these sides before that, with the 10 preceding games producing four Napoli wins, three Milan victories and three draws.
Players to watch
Victor Osimhen was a big miss for Napoli in the first leg but he returned from injury off the bench against Verona at the weekend. Spalletti will be tempted to unleash him from the start here and the striker is 6/4 at Bet365 to add to his 25-goal tally.
Rafael Leao was AC Milan's star man when they won 4-0 in Naples earlier this month, scoring twice and causing untold problems. The Portuguese winger is 9/2 at Paddy Power for a goal and 19/4 with McBookie for an assist.
Anything else catch the eye?
Backing over 5.5 cards paid off for me in the first leg as we saw eight yellows, with Franck Zambo picking up two to earn himself a red. Things could get spicy again in the return with so much on the line and the same bet pays 11/10 with Paddy Power.
The odds are better for specific players to fall foul of the referee and Rade Krunic looks a little overpriced at 14/5 with Unibet after collecting eight yellows cards this term.
In the last two meetings, Napoli have won 10-4 and 10-3 on the corner count so it could pay to back them in that handicap. BetVictor price Napoli -3 at 21/20 and that looks good value based on the stats.
This UEFA Champions League match between Napoli and AC Milan will be played on Apr 18, 2023 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Napoli vs AC Milan prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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