Champions League: AC Milan, Napoli Seek Advantage in All-Italian Affair

AC Milan vs Napoli

Reigning Italian champions AC Milan are set to host their soon-to-be successors, Serie A champions-elect Napoli, in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.

The Rossoneri rocked Napoli with a 4-0 thrashing at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona earlier this month – by far the Azzurri’s heaviest defeat of the season.

But the Champions League 2023 odds will favour the Neapolitans, who are now plotting their revenge on the Rossoneri as they look to get the early advantage in this all-Italian quarter-final.

Talking Points

Milan back in Champions League last 8

AC Milan are back. The seven-time European champions are in the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2012 after edging out an uninspired Tottenham side 1-0 on aggregate in the round of 16.

Milan’s quarter-final berth is a silver lining in what has been a disastrous title defence in Serie A. They are currently 22 points back of Napoli with just nine games left to play.

Milan are coming off a goalless draw at home against Empoli over the weekend as they remain just one point ahead of rivals Inter for the fourth and final Champions League spot.

Although, coach Stefano Pioli opted to rest key attackers Rafael Leao, Brahim Diaz, and Olivier Giroud ahead of the Champions League clash with Napoli.

Diaz and Leao were absolutely brilliant in Naples earlier this month as they tore Napoli apart 4-0. Leao bagged a brace while Diaz had a goal and an assist.

French defender Pierre Kalulu has missed the last couple of games due to a calf injury, but he is hoping to return against Napoli. Malick Thiaw made the start against Empoli, but the more experienced Simon Kjaer may be preferred to start should Kalulu fail to get fit in time.

Osimhen nearing return for Napoli

Napoli are in their first Champions League final in club history after thumping Europa League champions Eintracht Frankfurt 5-0 over two legs. Star striker Victor Osimhen ran riot as he scored three of the five goals.

However, Osimhen has not featured since picking up a groin injury during the international break and missed the most recent match against Milan. But Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti sounded positive that Osimhen could make his return against the Rossoneri.

Needless to say, Osimhen’s return to the lineup would be a huge boost for Napoli. The Nigerian is having a magnificent season, with 25 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions.

But in case Osimhen is not quite ready to play, Giacomo Raspadori and Giovanni Simeone are both capable of creating Champions League 2023 highlights. The two reserve strikers have been out of form of late, with just two goals between them in 2023. But they have consistently raised their games in the Champions League, where they have scored four goals each.

And of course, there is still Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian did not have the greatest round of 16 against Frankfurt as he had one assist and missed a penalty. But he has been brilliant in the Champions League, with two goals and four assists to his name in seven games.

History

The two sides split their Serie A meetings this season, with the away side winning on both occasions. The away side has now won each of their last six matches, which is an interesting trend.

Prior to their run of away wins, Milan had beaten Napoli just once over an 18-game stretch in Serie A, with eight draws and nine defeats. Milan’s last home win against Napoli came back in a Coppa Italia clash in 2019; they have drawn three and lost five of their last eight games at the San Siro.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Napoli installed as slight 2.44 favourites to win the first leg of this all-Italian tie. Milan are priced at 2.76, while a draw is 3.05.

Osimhen’s fitness will obviously be huge. If he’s back to 100 per cent, Napoli should come away from Milan with the advantage.

However, the Nigerian might just be a bit rusty after his layoff, which could give Milan the chance to snatch a first-leg stalemate.

 

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