AC Milan vs Napoli – Line-ups, stats and preview

Match Preview for AC Milan vs Napoli

Serie A’s Sunday night kick-off sees potential title rivals AC Milan and Napoli face off at San Siro.

While Milan’s rebuild has gained momentum in recent weeks, the reigning Scudetto holders still boast a perfect league record, promising a high-stakes clash both on the pitch and on the touchline.

After a shaky start to the season, AC Milan have regained their stride, winning their last three Serie A games without conceding, a run that matches the club’s best over the past five years.

Last weekend, Christian Pulisic’s brace propelled the Rossoneri to a 3-0 victory over Udinese, lifting Milan into the top three of the table.

Their momentum continued on Tuesday as they advanced in the Coppa Italia, dispatching 10-man Lecce with another 3-0 triumph at San Siro. Santiago Gimenez finally ended his goal drought, while Pulisic and Christopher Nkunku also got on the scoresheet, ensuring Milan made light work of their cup tie.

Massimiliano Allegri’s influence is already clear. The returning coach has solidified a previously leaky defence, with Milan keeping five clean sheets in six games so far, including both cup matches.

Allegri, however, had to watch midweek from the stands while serving a ban following his notorious antics in the 2024 Coppa Italia final. On Sunday, he faces a fiery tactical battle against Antonio Conte. The pair have met just nine times in their careers, with Allegri victorious on only two occasions, and it is almost 12 years since their last clash.

Sunday promises a high-stakes showdown between two of Italy’s most formidable managers.

Team news for AC Milan vs Napoli

AC Milan
Santiago Gimenez, who finally ended his goal drought on Tuesday, faces competition from a fit-again Christopher Nkunku to join top scorer Christian Pulisic in attack. Rafael Leao could also return on the bench after a calf strain that has kept him out of Serie A action so far, giving Allegri additional attacking options.

In midfield, Luka Modric is expected to start after missing the Coppa Italia win over Lecce, setting up an intriguing battle with Napoli’s Kevin De Bruyne. Between the sticks, captain Mike Maignan returns following his midweek comeback, while summer signing Ardon Jashari remains sidelined.

Napoli
Napoli will be without key defender Alessandro Buongiorno, who limped out of Monday’s match, joining long-term absentee Romelu Lukaku in the treatment room. Otherwise, head coach Luciano Spalletti has his main squad available.

Up front, Lucca is set to cover for Rasmus Hojlund, though changes are more likely in midfield. Both Frank Anguissa and Stanislav Lobotka are back in contention, giving Napoli more balance and options in the centre of the park.

Predicted line-ups for AC Milan vs Napoli

AC Milan: Maignan; Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers, Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Estupinan; Pulisic, Gimenez

Napoli: Meret; Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Jesus, Spinazzola; Lobotka; Politano, Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay; Hojlund

How to watch AC Milan vs Napoli: TV channel, online stream

Supporters in the UK can catch the action live on DAZN, with the game kicking off at 7:45pm UK time.

Prediction for AC Milan vs Napoli

Expect a closely fought encounter with few clear-cut chances, but Milan’s recent momentum and home advantage could just edge them past the reigning champions.

A victory for the Rossoneri seems likely, though Napoli are never far from causing an upset.

Prediction: AC Milan 2-1 Napoli