Napoli

Big away match on return from the break: here's our analysis on the match at the Maradona.

The Algerian will have to be adept at looking for spaces and freeing himself from the pressure of Zieliński - who is used to dropping back - in order to set, and consequently command, the rhythm of the match with his usual leadership, with the aim of easing the Azzurri's aggression and triggering the movements of his team-mates effectively. The points at stake are important and begin to weigh heavily, both for morale and for [table](https://www.acmilan.com/en/season/active/standings/all) position, but, unlike a double-header based on 180 minutes, a minimum advantage will 'suffice' to secure them. Hitting Napoli with their best weapon in the offensive phase could, moreover, turn the match on its head and take away assurance from the Parthenopean backline. On the one hand we find a team that makes aerial play its main quality - 15 goals have been scored by Napoli in the league so far - and on the other, one that prefers other ways to find the net. If, on the left flank, Leão and Kvaratskhelia tend to move into the centre of the box to look for a shot on goal, Saelemaekers and Lozano often seek the corner of the right-hand side to fish for their respective crosses in the centre of the box. Spalletti's Azzurri have in this respect one of their greatest strengths, which in turn corresponds to one of the main concerns for Coach Pioli's defence, which so far has conceded from aerial situations.

Two Italian giants meet at Stadio Diego Maradona in what feels like an exhibition prior to their slated Champions League quarterfinal matchup as Napoli host ...

They remain a potent side, even against the league's best defence. This could be a spot for Milan to capitalise on, understanding that Napoli may look to save their best punches for European play. There's no guarantee that Napoli will rest their starters, but it seems a real possibility. [The Sporting News football betting expert Kyle Bonn](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/author/kyle-bonn) shares his best bets, props, and high risk/high return fliers for some of the biggest matches in the sport each week. Napoli were drawn on the side of the Champions League bracket featuring both Milan clubs, picked to face AC Milan first before a potential meeting with either Inter or Benfica. For AC Milan, the match is far from meaningless, as they sit in the center of a heated top four race.

Napoli manager, Luciano Spalletti believes his side can cope without Victor Osimhen in their Serie A clash against holders AC Milan.

“When someone is intelligent, he can achieve important results even with only small chunks on the field. Cholito isn’t as quick as Osimhen, but he is very good in the air and at keeping the ball up with his back to goal, dialoguing with his teammates. “However, when Victor has been out this season, the team was able to get by pretty well.

Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti admitted it would be a big blow not having striker Victor Osimhen around, following the Nigerian forward's injury.

“I’ll reiterate that losing Osimhen is a big blow, but Simeone can play with his head or his feet. We always approach our games in the Napoli way and players like Cholito have also made a huge difference this year. He’s a striker who can use his head or his feet,” the coach said according to an interview published on the club’s website.

Ahead of the big clash between AC Milan and Napoli this evening, the former Rossoneri owner Silvio Berlusconi was interviewed by Italian media.

I can only say that I have a lot of respect for Pioli and that Milan’s season is really a strange one, a bit on and off. Proof of class and extraordinary sportsmanship, one of the reasons why Napoli is and will always be in my heart. He also sent the Rossoneri a message from the heart.

SportsBrief.com News - Victor Osimhen will not feature in the Champions League quarterfinal clash betwen Napoli and AC Milan and his manager Luciano ...

We always approach our games in the Napoli way and players like Cholito have also made a huge difference this year. [one of the most in-form forwards](https://sportsbrief.com/football/napoli/37548-victor-osimhen-nigerian-striker-assures-napoli-fan-injury-serious/) in the [world](https://sportsbrief.com/tag/world/) right now. When we’re without Victor, the team have been able to make up for it and come out winners.