Serie A: The Top Berth is There for the Taking for Milan and Napoli

AC Milan vs Napoli

It’s a three-way battle at the top between Napoli, Atalanta, and AC Milan, but only one of them can stay at the summit after this weekend’s set of Serie A matches.

As of this writing, it is Napoli who are leading because of a superior goal difference, while Atalanta and AC Milan are right behind them. Atalanta can bolster their title credentials with a victory against AS Roma, while Napoli have an important date with AC Milan at San Siro.

Today, we’ll focus on the fixture between AC Milan and Napoli, and the pre-match SBOTOP betting odds predict another tight affair with so much on the line.

So who will come out on top after Sunday night? Continue to read on below for our preview of this game.

Talking Points

No Rafael Leao for AC Milan

Rafael Leao’s red card in their 2-1 victory over Sampdoria means that the Portuguese will have to sit this one out, and this will certainly open up opportunities for the other guys to step up.

And with the likes of Ante Rebic, Divock Origi, and long-term absentee Zlatan Ibrahimovic struggling to stay fit, Stefano Pioli will have to be creative with his attacking resources.

After coming off the bench several times before, Olivier Giroud has settled in nicely as their starting No. 9 and he should retain his spot there. The veteran Frenchman now has four goals and one assist this term – a sign that he isn’t slowing down at 35.

Alexis Saelemaekers and Junior Messias should cover the flanks while the Charles De Ketelaere will remain as their No. 10, while Brahim Diaz is going to try to make his case in the starting XI.

Giroud and his younger attacking partners are all capable of providing Serie A 2022 highlights for their home fans. They will try to hold the line and Leao should have fresher legs in their next set of fixtures following the international break.

Napoli treating Victor Osimhen with kid gloves

Victor Osimhen recently had a discomfort on his adductor which didn’t appear to be serious. But given his injury history, Napoli would probably err the side of caution for their Nigerian star.

Regardless of whether Osimhen plays or not, Napoli’s attack is in good shape thanks to their summer acquisitions Giacomo Raspadori and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, also known as “Kvaradona”, is leading the way with four goals and two assists. He is emerging as one of the top young players in all of Europe today.

Giacomo Raspadori is also enjoying his time at Naples. The 22-year-old forward arrived this summer on loan from Sassuolo and he has already tallied two goals in five games.

After serving a one-match ban, Mexican winger Hirving Lozano is expected to make his return which would only give Luciano Spalletti more options. Giovanni Simeone is also a candidate for a spot up front after scoring against Liverpool in the Champions League group stage earlier this month.

History

AC Milan could win two straight against Napoli in the league for the first time since 2010-11. Prior to this weekend’s match, I Rossoneri won 1-0 after a run of two consecutive defeats with the same exact scoreline.

Those two aforementioned 1-0 losses were played at San Siro. So if they lose on Sunday, it’ll be the first time since 1979 where they’ll suffer three consecutive defeats at home against I Partenopei.

Stefano Pioli’s side is unblemished in their last 22 Serie A games (W15, D7), which is the longest league undefeated run in Europe’s top five competitions so far. This is also their longest unbeaten run since they had a 27-match winning streak in January 2021.

Both of these teams have been formidable on the defencive end as Napoli have secured six clean sheets in their last nine Serie A matches, while AC Milan have tallied four clean sheets in their last six home league matches.

Betting Tip

AC Milan were given the edge by the Serie A 2022 odds. I Rossoneri were installed at 2.13 to win, while Napoli are priced at 3.50 in the 1X2 market.

Since both of these calcios are in great form, this match is a tough one to call so we’re leaning towards a Draw @ 3.20. Furthermore, expect AC Milan and Napoli to root for AS Roma to draw with Atalanta nonetheless.

With both Rafael Leao and Victor Osimhen sidelined, AC Milan and Napoli are going to miss their best attackers – making Under 2.50 @ 1.99 a bet worth considering on Sunday.

 

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