An important clash, which you could describe as a Champions League decider, awaits Milan at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona against Napoli.
Milan managed to clinch two consecutive wins before the international break and thus boosted their confidence, while also bringing the top-four goal back to life. As highlighted by Sergio Conceicao during his press conference, however, tomorrow’s game will be a very tough one.
Game date: Sunday, March 30
Kick-off time: 20:45 (CEST)
Venue: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona
Referee: Simone Sozza (VAR: Meraviglia)
Team news
It’s been a good period for Milan in the last few weeks with two wins, both comebacks, and renewed hope in the top-four race. The international break also wasn’t too bad for the Rossoneri as there were no injuries, while several players boosted their respective confidence.
Emerson Royal is still out injured, and Yunus Musah will be serving a suspension, but aside from that Conceicao have a completely healthy squad. Ruben Loftus-Cheek came off the bench against Como and has been doing well in training, while Alessandro Florenzi is getting there as well.
According to the latest reports, the manager will play it safe for the big game, continuing with a backline of Kyle Walker, Matteo Gabbia, Malick Thiaw and Theo Hernandez. At this point, getting results is all that matters and consistency should help with that.
In midfield, fans will perhaps have a few more question marks as Youssouf Fofana has looked decent lately. However, it seems Conceicao will opt for Warren Bondo and Tijjani Reijnders in the tandem, allowing Loftus-Cheek to play from start in the No.10 role.
The Englishman and Reijnders, now a must in the XI, will likely change positions throughout the game based on how the attacks look. On the flanks, it should be Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao despite reports earlier today of a start for Joao Felix, who is yet to impress fully.
For the No.9 role, Tammy Abraham has arguably been the best in recent weeks and he should thus get the chance over Santiago Gimenez. The Mexican will be an important resource off the bench but in terms of participating in open play, the Englishman has been a lot better.
Predicted Milan XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Walker, Gabbia, Thiaw, Theo Hernandez; Bondo, Reijnders; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Abraham.
The opponents
After bringing in Antonio Conte as the new head coach, while making some good reinforcements (including Alessandro Buongiorno), many expected Napoli to at least be up there this season. Not to mention the lack of European football, which obviously helps with rest.
It has ended up being the case, with Napoli currently in second place, and their strength became clear already after the first ten games as they won eight of those. That being said, the feeling is also ...