Stadio Giuseppe Meazza will play host for the highlight game of this week’s serie A on Sunday. The Rossoneri are set to take on the Azzurri in a must win game for both, as the season is reaching it’s final stages. Who can extend their winning streak as we approach kickoff? This is AC Milan Vs Napoli – Gattuso’s Homecoming
Match Preview
After giving up the top spot to their city rivals, Milan have a mountain to climb if they want to win the scudetto this year. They could however keep things interesting with a win on Sunday, since the deficit is only 6 points. On the other hand, after the dissapointing Europa League exit, Napoli will look to make amends in the league with a top 4 finish. A win against Milan will bring them level with Roma for the 4th spot, as they also have a game in hand. Who’s going to be closer to reaching their goal? Let’s take a closer look together
AC Milan
Despite the injuries they are currently facing, the Rossoneri were able to secure a great result in the Europa League, drawing 1-1 against United at Old Trafford. It will not be a surprise if Pioli was focusing on winning the title, after all they have one of the strongest team in this competition. A 92nd header by Kjaer will prove to be vital, however the 2nd leg still awaits and the job is not yet finished. Can they finally get back to European glory through the EL gate?
In serie A, after the decisive loss against Inter in the derby, Milan are now on a 3 games unbeaten run. Can they extend it as they look to climb their way back to the top? In addition, the Rossoneri won the first meeting away from home 3-1, as they are now unbeaten in their last 4 Serie A matches against Napoli. A run that they will also seek to extend on Sunday. Milan will also have to be wary of Juventus, who are just 4 points away with a game in hand. As the season is reaching it’s decisive final stage, the margin for error is now even tighter.
SSC Napoli
On the other hand, the Partenopei are on a different quest, as they look to put the Europa League failure behind them and focus on a top 4 finish. After some dissapointing results, they are now on a 4 game unbeaten run. Will they be able to extend it on Sunday? In addition, Napoli still have the big game against Juve that was rescheduled to March 17. Both are decisive for them if they want that top 4 finish, how will they approach them?
Napoli are now in 6th place, just 3 points away from 4th place Roma and 5 points away from 3rd place Juventus, who they will play against next week. Anything is still possible, however they have to overcome the Milan test first. The Azzurri are winless away from home since January 10th, when they last won against Udinese. Will they be able to grab a vital away result this Sunday? Napoli will definitely rely on their capitano, who has scored the joint-most Serie A goals in 2021. Insigne is more than capable of making the difference.
Team News
Ismael Bennacer, Mario Mandzukic, Hakan Calhanoglu, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Theo Hernandez and Ante Rebic are all still doubts for Milan. However they were able to handle the situation at Old Trafford on Thursday, coming back with a 1-1 draw in what was an amazing performance. Can they replicate that against Napoli and earn the three points?
Meanwhile, Gennaro Gattuso will be without Andrea Petagna and Faouzi Ghoulam, who an suffered ACL injury to his left knee in Napoli’s win over Bologna on Sunday night.
Prediction & Current Odds
AC Milan Vs Napoli – Gattuso’s Homecoming. Bottom line is, we expect this to be a fierce battle between two big clubs. Pioli will be looking to keep the pressure on city rivals Inter, while also keeping an eye on the Europa League. On the other hand, Gattuso will hope to amend the European failure with a top four finish and keep his job. Milan might be shorthanded and “tired” from their trip to England Thursday night, however they should have enough to secure a much needed win at home. Napoli’s away form does not help them here and we expect them to struggle a bit. Both teams should be able to score with Milan holding on to a 2-1 win.
- Over 2.5 goals: 1.80
- Milan Win/Draw: 1.40
- Both Teams To Score: 1.66
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