AC Milan host Napoli at the San Siro in a Sunday night kick-off as the Rossoneri aim to bounce back from a poor showing against Genoa.
AC Milan will be looking to join the winning ranks again after their loss to Genoa saw them drop to 11th. Milan have struggled for form this season and sit 11th on the ladder with just three wins from six matches, enduring three losses, one including the shock loss to Genoa last week. Their wins have come against lower ranked teams, while Napoli have beaten Lazio and Juventus.
Napoli, who have a short turnaround from their Europa league commitments, in which they won 2-0 against Legia Warsaw, will be looking to continue their winning form after they defeated reigning champions Juventus last week. Napoli have won just two matches in the Serie A this season, however, one was against Juventus, the other against fifth place Lazio and could be the kick-starter the team needed to perform consistently.
Key Battle – Gonzalo Higuain vs the Milan defence
The resolute defence displayed by Milan in the second half of last week will be key to stopping Gonzalo Higuain who has scored four goals over the past four encounters between the two. The loss of Alessio Romagnoli to suspension leaves a gap that needs to be filled, though will be hard to replace.
Team News
AC Milan will be without Romagnoli who received a second yellow and consequent red card against Genoa. Mario Balotelli is in some doubt with a slight muscular injury. Should he not make the squad, Carlos Bacca would most likely replace him up front. Keisuke Honda is also a doubt for the match having come down with the flu during the week.
AC Milan Expected XI (4-3-1-2): Lopez (GK); Calabria, Zapata, Ely, De Sciglio; De Jong, Montolivo, Bertolacci; Bonaventura; Luiz Adriano, Bacca.
Napoli will be looking to build on their win over reigning champions Juventus from last match, but have a short turnaround from their Europa League match against Legia Warsaw. However, a weakened squad was sent to Warsaw so expect a strong lineup for this match. Higuain is on a goalscoring run and loves a goal against Milan.
Napoli Expected XI (4-3-3): Reina (GK); Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Allan, Jorginho, Hamsik; Insigne, Callejon, Higuaín.
Head-to-Head
Over the last 14 seasons, these teams have met 28 times. Milan claim the overall victories with 10, while Napoli have won seven of them and 11 have ended in a draw. There have been five meetings at the San Siro in the month of October between the two teams, with Milan taking three wins, Napoli one and a draw.
Previous meeting
Napoli were the runaway victors in the previous meeting between the two with a 3-0 win.
Mattia De Sciglio was sent off within the opening minute, leaving Milan with a huge task. Lopez saved the ensuing penalty and the defence of the Rossoneri was able to hold out for the first half with a resolute performance at the back. The second half was a different story and subsequently succumbed to three goals, gifting Napoli the three points.
Prediction
With the loss of Romagnoli and with Balotelli and Honda doubtful, it will be tough for Milan to snatch a win. Higuain favours scoring against Milan, and seems to be on a run goals-wise. Napoli sent a weakened squad to Warsaw so the majority of their main squad will be fresh and prepared for the match. Although both sides have struggled this season, the wins for Napoli have come against fifth place Lazio and reigning champions Juventus. Milan will struggle defensively against the Napoli attack.
Napoli 2 AC Milan 1
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