Verdict: AC Milan double chance
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two camps who will be looking to punch their spot in the final of this year’s Italian Super Cup, Napoli and AC Milan will meet over in Saudi Arabia on Thursday night.
Napoli
Making real history last season as they got their hands on a fourth Serie A crown, Napoli have their sights firmly set on defending their domestic title this time around. However, enduring a real Champions League struggle this year and falling to a downbeat 2-0 defeat away at Benfica, Antonio Conte’s side have shown some recent issues over the past week. Failing to claim an immediate response over the weekend as they slumped to a 1-0 loss against Udinese, the former Tottenham boss has seen his squad suffer consecutive defeats for the first time since back in October. Heading into November’s international break with a 2-0 loss against Bologna, Napoli have shown some extended issues on the road. Along with losing three of their last four showdowns away from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, the reigning Italian champions have also lost seven of their previous nine matchups outside of Naples.
Napoli Team News
Not featuring since the end of October and still dealing with a thigh injury, Napoli will once again be without summer recruit and former Manchester City superstar Kevin De Bruyne. Likewise, yet to make a single appearance so far this season, Romelu Lukaku remains on the sidelines.
Despite notching just a pair of Serie A strikes since the start of October, Manchester United loanee Rasmus Hojlund will lead the line here. Enjoying what has been a sensational run since arriving from Old Trafford last year, Scotland international Scott McTominay will play a leading role in the middle of the park.
AC Milan
Although AC Milan might have been frustrated over the weekend as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate at home against Sassuolo, Max Allegri’s men have cemented their spot as one of Italy’s real surprise packages this season. Currently sat in silver medal position and just one-point adrift of arch-rivals Inter Milan, the Rossoneri have rightfully received plenty of plaudits from across the continent. Suddenly dreaming of the chance to get their hands on a history-making 20th domestic crown, AC Milan will be confident of making a statement in Saudi Arabia. Despite watching their Coppa Italia adventure come to an end earlier in the month following a 1-0 loss against Lazio, that is the only defeat that Allegri’s side have suffered from any of their previous 16 appearances across all competitions.
AC Milan Team News
Once again missing out against Sassuolo over the weekend, AC Milan will be without French international Youssouf Fofana here. Likewise, dealing with a recent calf issue, attacking talisman Rafael Leao faces a race against the clock to feature on Thursday night.
Making a real impact after arriving from Real Madrid over the summer, former Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric will play a leading role in midfield. Registering nine direct goal contributions in his 10 Serie A appearances this season, USA international Christian Pulisic will spearhead AC Milan’s charge in the final third.
Napoli vs AC Milan Key Factors to Consider
- When Napoli and AC Milan last met on September 28th for a Serie A showdown, the Rossoneri collected a 2-1 victory at the San Siro.
- Napoli have suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time since back in October.
- AC Milan have suffered just a single defeat from any of their last 16 consecutive appearances across all competitions.
- USA international Christian Pulisic has registered nine direct goal contributions in his first 10 Serie A appearances (seven goals, two assists).
- Four of the last six meetings between Napoli and AC Milan have finished with both teams getting on the scoresheet.
Conclusion
Landing a 2-1 victory when they welcomed Napoli to the San Siro for a Serie A showdown on September 28th, AC Milan should be smelling the chance to collect another heavyweight scalp here. Enjoying what has quickly become a real domestic fairytale, the Italian giants are at the heart of a title scrap and the mood in Allegri’s camp remains at a real high. Suffering just a single defeat from any of their previous 16 appearances across all competitions, Milan will also meet a Napoli squad who have been hit with consecutive defeats for the first time since back in October.
Verdict: AC Milan double chance
Best Odds: 4/9
Bookmaker: Luckster
