Many are predicting the game between AC Milan and Napoli to be a tight one, and in those cases, individual brilliance often ends up making the difference.
Since Napoli are just one point behind in the standings, Milan either need to draw or win at Stadio Maradona tonight. A draw would at least protect second place in the moment, but it’s clear that a four-point cushion would feel a whole lot better.
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There could be a surprise attack for Milan tonight, with Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao both set to start on the bench, and that could make things very interesting. Below, we have picked out five key battles that we believe could decide the game.
Napoli vs. AC Milan: Five key battles
Starting at the back, it’s clear that Koni De Winter will have his hands full in the centre of the defence, considering the strength of Napoli’s attack. We can all remember how he struggled in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Partenopei, and it’s something he won’t look to repeat.
In particular, he struggled against Rasmus Hojlund, who also has a bone to pick after missing a penalty for Denmark in their World Cup play-off game (contributing to their elimination). This could be a very interesting battle indeed.
On the right-hand side, Alexis Saelemaekers will play a key role in the sense that Milan will need him a lot in both phases. We all know how good he can be in transition and in the build-up in general, but now he also needs to defend.
Leonardo Spinazzola will be his main opponent and while the Napoli man hasn’t been super consistent in the last few years, he’s great on a good day. Of course, Fikayo Tomori will have to help out here too, but he shouldn’t be left with a lot of space to cross.
In midfield, I want to start with Youssouf Fofana first. He impressed with the display against Torino last time out and definitely seems to have found his role. Since this game will be so important in midfield, he will need to work super hard as he always does.
Scott McTominay will be roaming around on the Frenchman’s side and he’s definitely one to stop. You don’t need me to explain why, but just for the sake of it, the Scottish international is just as lethal from distance as he is from inside the box.
Adrien Rabiot is another midfielder who will play a key role in terms of work rate. He’s definitely not afraid to get stuck in physically and Milan will need his calm on the ball too, especially with Napoli expected to press high.
Frank Anguissa, as another hard-working midfielder, could be a thorn in Rabiot’s side so that battle will be very interesting to follow. Not to mention that the Napoli man likes to get forward himself sometimes.
Finally, it looks like Christopher Nkunku will get the chance after working with the team for the entire international break. I presume that Allegri wants him to be the X-factor of sorts, with Pulisic and Leao on the bench, which he can provide on a good day.
While most outlets have him fielded as the striker to the right, the feeling is that he will have more freedom and thus end up on the left a lot. There, he would be up against Juan Jesus who normally plays on the other side, which could make things interesting.
