Lobotka returns, Pioli reflects on the role of Kessie

© photo by Daniele Buffa / Image Sport

–

Milan arrives in Fuorigrotta for a very delicate direct confrontation at the top of the table. Napoli has the opportunity in front of its own public (sold-out at 75% reached since the beginning of the week on a free sale day) to crown the long rise after the vicissitudes of December and detach a direct competitor. Luciano Spalletti’s team arrives at the strong race of best defense, of first place so far for points in the second round, but also of the typical week that allowed the Azzurri to be able to better calibrate the condition of those who were not at 100%, manage some squeezed elements and recover others in the pits for some time. On the other hand, the Rossoneri are veterans of the effort in the first leg semi-final of the Coppa Italia against Inter in which they let themselves be preferred to the Nerazzurri, giving signs of recovery, but also confirming some defects in the realization in the advanced department.

Statistics

AC Milan have only won one of their last 14 Serie A comparisons with Napoli (3-1 away from home on 22 November 2020, then 8 defeats and 5 draws) and come from two consecutive draws in the league and have not collected three in a row in Serie A since September 2018, under the guidance of Gennaro Gattuso (three “X” in that case with Cagliari, Atalanta and Empoli). Napoli are the team that has earned the most points in this second round (18 points in eight games against 15 points for the Rossoneri).

Only Cagliari (8) does worse than Milan on corner developments in this league (seven goals conceded, including that of the first leg match against Napoli): the Rossoneri have conceded 24% of the goals in this Serie A from this one. game situation (as a percentage, no one is worse). It will also be the challenge between the two teams that have the most goals from outside the area: Napoli 10, thanks also to Fabian Ruiz’s six distance centers (record in the current tournament), Milan nine (Ibrahimovic with three is the Rossonero who achieved more from the outside).

The latest on Napoli

Only Tuanzebe and Malcuit remain out: Spalletti recovers Lozano and Anguissa for the bench and the only novelty with respect to the Olimpico should be Lobotka, ready to return paired with Fabian. In defense no doubt about Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Koulibaly and Mario Rui in front of Ospina while in attack Zielinski is clearly favored over Elmas with Insigne and Politano wide in support of Osimhen.

The latest on Milan

Pioli without Kjaer, Romagnoli and probably by Ibrahimovic (at most on the bench). Space therefore to Kalulu in the center with Tomori, with Calabria and Theo on the lanes. In the median Bennacer and Tonali in order to raise Kessie between the lines with Saelemaekers and Leao forming the trio behind Giroud. If, on the other hand, Kessie were to act as a midfielder (in place of Bennacer) at that point in Diaz or Messias as a finisher.

NAPLES (4-2-3-1): Ospina; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Koulibaly, Mario Rui; Fabian Ruiz, Lobotka; Politano, Zielinski, Insigne; Osimhen. Herds Spalletti
Ballotings: Lobotka-Demme 70% -30%, Zielinski-Elmas 70% -30%

MILAN (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Kalulu, Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Bennacer, Tonali; Saelemaekers, Kessie, Leao; Giroud. Herds Pioli
Ballotings: Bennacer-Diaz 55% -45%, Saelemaekers-Messias 55% -45%

REFEREE: Orsato (Preti-Giallatini, IV: Camplone, VAR: Valeri, AVAR: Vivenzi)

Live TV on DAZN and live radio on Kiss Kiss Naples / Italy. Live text with extensive pre and post game on Tuttonapoli.net

–