Napoli vs A.C Milan: H2H, Players To Watch and Prediction

Napoli vs AC Milan (Serie A) - Sunday 12th July 2020

Venue: Stadio San Paolo

Form

Milan: W, W, D, W, W

Napoli: W, W, L, W, W

Head To Head

1 Win. 3 Draws. 1 Loss.

Milan 1 - 1 Napoli

Milan 2 - 0 Napoli (Coppa)

Milan 0 - 0 Napoli

Napoli 3 - 2 Milan

Milan 0 - 0 Napoli

Each time Milan has played Napoli in recent years, it has been a close affair, very well shown in the league, with Napoli sitting only 2 points ahead of Milan in 6th and 7th position. Both teams should really be placed higher, but consistency always finds it’s place in both teams form. In the past 5 meetings, only 9 goals have been scored, averaging 2 goals per meeting, so it won’t be surprising for this one to be another tight game with 1 goal sealing the 3 points.

It is also the first time Milan fans will be facing off against Gennaro Gattuso as a rival coach.

Players To Watch and Match-Ups

Insigne vs Conti

If any players are going to affect the game, I believe that it will come from these key areas. Insigne has only scored 1 goal in the past 5 Napoli games, however, with his speed and dribbling, expect him to really attack Conti or Hernandez as he may look to move around in attack. In 24 games Insigne has 5 goals and 4 assists, which is quite underwhelming for such a dangerous player, yet, Conti will need to be strong and watch out for runs in behind and head to head battles.

Ibrahimovic vs Koulibaly

With two giants aiming to win the ball and show their strength, this will be an interesting battle for Milans frontman. Ibrahimovic has found a lot of success in holding the ball and winning ariel battles, helping control the final third and play Rebic as well as wide players into dangerous positions. Koulibaly will also look to dominate in this phase, so it will surely be a fascinating battle to watch. Hopefully, Ibrahimovic will use this to his advantage and look to draw fouls in dangerous areas.

Kessie vs Zielinski

Kessie has in my opinion proven all the doubters wrong, being everything that Milan fans have desired. Strong, powerful, direct, and simple with his build-up play. It is of no doubt that Milan will need him to continue this form beside Bennacer to guarantee the Europa League finish. Zielinski will surely aim to drop into space and fire shots at Donnaruma, which could surely pose problems for Milan, he hasn’t scored in 9 games but is another dangerous player that Milan usually has trouble with.

Serie A Table

https://www.google.com/search?q=serie+a+table&oq=serie+a+tabl&aqs=chrome.0.35i39j69i57j0l6.3258j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#sie=lg;/g/11h02jy6ph;2;/m/03zv9;st;fp;1;;

With both teams in impressive form looking up at Roma and Inter, it will be a good chance to close the gap on 5th and 4th places, even if CL football isn’t realistic with 7 games remaining.

Prediction:

Napoli 1 Milan 2