Napoli vs AC Milan: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

The last two Scudetto holders are set to lock horns

The defending Serie A champs, Napoli will welcome their predecessors AC Milan in the match of heightened emotions at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Both sets of teams will look to topple each other, but ahead of the game, it is the Rossoneri who are looking stronger.

Napoli had a rough start to their season, but they've bounced back recently. They've collected 17 out of 27 possible points in the first 9 games. However, their recent Serie A victory against Hellas Verona, followed by a win over Union Berlin in the Champions League should boost their confidence. There's significant pressure on Rudi Garcia's team to play like defending champions.

On the other hand, AC Milan are going to travel to Naples with a better form. They are already 4 points ahead of their upcoming opponents after just 9 league games. Further, they have enjoyed a good season so far as they currently sit just one point off from rivals Inter Milan, in second place. However, they will be going into the Serie A clash after a heavy defeat against PSG in the Champions League in the mid-week.

The game promises to be a great match between two teams aiming for the Scudetto this year.

Kick-off

Sunday, 29th October 2023, 7:45 PM GMT

Monday, 30th October 2023, 1:15 AM IST

Location: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona

Form

Napoli (all comps): W-W-L-L-W-W

AC Milan (all comps): W-W-D-W-L-L

Players to watch for

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia continues to show his love for Napoli on and off the field. He's on a goal contribution spree with 6 G/A in 8 league games, picking up from where he left off last season. Next up, he's eager to make a big impact against AC Milan in front of the home fans.

Olivier Giroud (AC Milan)

Olivier Giroud, 37, is showcasing that age is just a number as he has been undroppable from the starting XI this season. The veteran striker has also scored 4 goals, providing another 3 assists for the team in just 8 league games. Talk about ‘aging like a fine wine’. Another magical performance from the experienced campaigner would mean that the travelling Milan fans could be in for a treat.

Match facts

• Napoli have only lost 3 games in the last 9 games (W3 D3) against Milan.
• Milan have enjoyed playing Napoli on the road, winning the last 3 of the games against them at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Injury and team news

Napoli Team News:

Napoli face a setback as their leading goal-scorer of the 2022-23 season, Victor Osimhen is sidelined due to a hamstring injury. They'll rely on Giacomo Raspadori, who recently scored in a midweek match, to fill the void. Additionally, midfield regular Frank Anguissa is nearing recovery from a thigh injury, but Juan Jesus remains unavailable. As a result, Natan and Amir Rrahmani are expected to start in central defense.

AC Milan Team News:

AC Milan's attacking options have been boosted by Noah Okafor's return to full training. However, Luka Jovic may not be fit in time for the match at Stadio Maradona. Unfortunately, Milan will be without Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Samu Chukwueze, Ismael Bennacer, backup goalkeeper Marco Sportiello, and suspended center-back Malick Thiaw. On a positive note, both Mike Maignan and Theo Hernandez, who were suspended in the previous Serie A match, can make their return.

Head-to-head

Matches: 35

Napoli: 13

AC Milan: 10

Draws: 12

Predicted lineup for Napoli vs AC Milan

Napoli Predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Natan, Rui; Cajuste, Lobotka, Zielinski; Politano, Raspadori, Kvaratskhelia

AC Milan Predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Kalulu, Hernandez; Musah, Adli, Reijnders; Pulisic, Giroud, Leao

Match predictions for Napoli vs AC Milan

Gli Azzurri have found it difficult to contain the Rossoneri on the home turf in the recent past. So, we go for a Milan away win.

Prediction: Napoli 1 - 2 AC Milan

Telecast details

India: Jio Cinema

UK: discovery+ App, discovery+, and TNT Sports 2.

US: Paramount+

Nigeria: Sporty TV