18 December 2021, 16:42 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The Serie A fixture, AC Milan vs. S.S.C. Napoli, kicks off at 20:45 (GMT+1) on Sunday, December 19, at the San Siro.
Preview Milan Serie A, Dec 19, 2021
Preview AC Milan picked up a 1-1 draw against Udinese last weekend at the Stadio Friuli. The notorious fixture was popular for ending in a draw, and onlookers were treated to one more draw between the pair. It was Beto (17’) who struck first, to put Udinese in the lead. After several clear-cut chances at both ends, Zlatan Ibrahimovic (90'+2) eventually found the equalizer in stoppage time. - A remarkable acrobatic finish to salvage a point for Milan. Minutes later, Isaac Success was successful in getting himself sent off after a clumsy foul on Milan’s goalkeeper. The draw saw Milan relinquish their hold on first place, as they slipped from 1st to 2nd on the Serie A table. Milan has picked up 7 points out of a possible 15 in the last five games: LLWWD. In total, the club has 39 points from 12W, 3D, & 2L. Stefano Pioli would be counting on the likes of Zlatan to pick up three points against Napoli. A 4—2—3—1 formation with the 40-year-old leading the attack is expected for this game against Napoli. Pellegri (groin injury) was forced off in the game against Salernitana, while Rafael Leão (muscle injury) remains doubtful. Samu Castillejo made a return as a substitute against Udinese while Davide Calabria is expected to make a return this weekend, along with Olivier Giroud. Meanwhile, Theo Hernandez (COVID-19) is ruled out along with Simon Kjær (ACL injury).
Preview Napoli Serie A, Dec 19, 2021
Preview Napoli will be returning with back-to-back defeats, LWDLL, having lost by a single goal to Empoli last weekend. A Patrick Cutrone (70’) bizarre goal separated both sides at full-time. It was end-to-end stuff, with Napoli having a major portion of the clear-cut chances to score, but failing to do so. The defeat saw Napoli slip from 3rd to 4th place on the Serie A table, having picked up 36 points from 11W, 3D, & 3L. With so many injuries, Napoli will be hoping to leave the San Siro with at least a point. The club has 34 goals after 17 Serie A games. - A goal ratio of 2 goals scored per game. I Partenopei have conceded 13 goals (0.76 goals per match) so far this season, and have a G.D. of +21. Luciano Spalletti is expected to lay out the 4—2—3—1, leaving Mertens at the top of the design. Napoli will be without Victor Osimhen, Mário Rui and Kalidou Koulibaly. Meanwhile, Insigne remains doubtful alongside Fabián Ruiz.