Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Unibet
In a real showdown between two Italian giants of Sunday night, Napoli will welcome AC Milan to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Napoli
Starting with the hosts, managing to snatch what was a stunning last-gasp 2-1 win against bitter rivals Lazio last weekend, there is no doubt that Napoli will be desperate to build off of that result. Hoping to have drawn under what was an extended blip throughout February, Head Coach Luciano Spalletti is calling on his side to find some stability at the back end of this year’s campaign. Watching their Europa League run come to an abrupt end thanks to a 5-3 defeat against Spanish giants Barcelona, the Blues have still lost just one of their previous eight matchups across all formats. Opening this weekend’s fixtures hanging onto their spot at the top of the table thanks to their goal difference, Napoli should also be boosted by an eye-catching record against Sunday’s guests. Landing a 1-0 win when they made the trip to the San Siro back in December, they have secured back-to-back wins against their title rivals.
Team News
In what is a real boost for Napoli this weekend, it appears that the duo of Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Hirving Lozano should make their return here.
However, both Kevin Malcuit and Axel Tuanzebe are set to miss out as they still deal with injury issues.
AC Milan
As for the visitors, while AC Milan might have opened 2022 tipped as a real pick to claim this year’s Serie A title, the Rossoneri do find themselves in the midst of a recent blip. Having to settle for a 0-0 stalemate when they faced off against bitter rivals Inter Milan last weekend, Head Coach Stefano Pioli has seen his side draw each of their last three top-flight contests on the spin. Dropping points against the likes of Udinese and Salernitana over the past fortnight, Milan should at least be boosted by their extended success away from the San Siro this season. It should be highlighted, Pioli’s side have managed to muster 30 points on their travels throughout the 2021/22 campaign, the second-best tally in Italy’s top-flight. Managing to pick up a 3-1 victory the last time they made the trip to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, there is no doubt that Pioli will be looking for a similar statement.
Team News
Midfielder Sandro Tonali is expected to make his return on Sunday night after serving a suspension.
However, dealing with a thigh injury, Alessio Romagnoli is not expected to feature in Naples here.
Key Factors to Consider
- When the two sides last faced off back in December, Napoli picked up a 1-0 win at the San Siro.
- Likewise, Sunday’s hosts have collected back-to-back Serie A victories against the Rossoneri.
- Each of the last six meetings between Napoli and AC Milan at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona have finished with both teams finding the net.
- AC Milan have picked up 30 points on the road this season, the second-best away tally in Serie A.
- The Rossoneri have had to settle for a single point in each of their last three Serie A matchups.
Conclusion
In what is a real battle at the top of the Serie A table this weekend, neutrals from across Europe will be hoping for a lively affair on Sunday night. Only separated by their goal difference, we could be in for another lively meeting at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona here. Expecting chances at both ends of the pitch, it should be highlighted that each of their last six straight meetings in Naples have finished with both teams finding the net. Likewise, with Napoli seeing each of their previous five home fixtures finish in an identical outcome, we’re backing a similar outcome.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Unibet
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