*Match preview and betting tips provided by SVB Tips
Antonio Conte’s team desperately need a win, or they risk falling too far from the title race, while Sergio Conceição’s side will go all-out for the three points to stay in contention for a top-four finish, even if it means helping their great rival, Inter, in the Scudetto battle.
NAPOLI STRUGGLING BEFORE THE BREAK
Before the international break, Napoli were in a poor run of form, one that hardly suggested they were title contenders. Conte’s side had won only once in their last seven matches, 2-1 against Fiorentina at home two rounds ago, and they lost their top spot in the standings. The decline began over a month ago, after their loss to Como, just before their 1-1 draw with Inter at Maradona.
Napoli’s difficult patch – where they managed five draws – came after a seven-match winning streak. Now, the Figli del Vesuvio are three points behind Inter and could lose touch if they don’t secure a win on Sunday. The good news for Conte is that he has a fully fit squad available after the international break.
MILAN FIGHTING TO GET BACK INTO THE TOP 4 RACE
Milan endured a tough stretch from February to early March, during which time they were knocked out of the Champions League, lost three consecutive matches, and won just once, 1-0 against Verona at home in six games. However, before the international break, they showed signs of recovery, winning both away at Lecce and at home against Como. At Via del Mare, Milan triumphed 3-2 after coming from 2-0 down, while at San Siro, they overturned a 1-0 deficit to beat Como 2-1.
Very much the comeback specialists, Milan have secured six wins in all competitions after being behind under Sergio Conceição. Now, they aim to fight for a top-four finish, being six points behind Bologna, who occupy the last Champions League spot, with Juventus, Lazio, Roma, and Fiorentina also standing between them and a top-four finish. Before the Napoli match, Ruben Loftus-Cheek has recovered, and Gimenez's injury with the Mexican national team doesn’t appear to be serious. However, Musah will be suspended, and Emerson Royal is out due to medical reasons.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
NAPOLI: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno; Politano, Gilmour, Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola; Lukaku, Raspadori.
MILAN: Maignan; Walker, Thiaw, Gabbia, Theo; Bondo, Fofana; Pulisic, Reijnders, Rafa Leao; Abraham.
Betting Suggestions:
- Napoli to Win - With the stakes high for Conte’s side, they are likely to push hard for all three points to stay on Inter's heels, and they look likely to make the most of their home advantage
- Both Teams to Score - Milan’s recent form has shown that they can bounce back from setbacks, and Napoli have conceded goals in recent games. Expect both teams to get on the scoreboard.
- Over 2.5 Goals - With both teams desperate for a win and attacking options galore, a high-scoring match is likely, especially given the attacking strength of both sides.