Huge Test of Napoli’s Title Credentials

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Following all the drama of the Italian clubs in the Champions League in mid-week, the action resumes in Serie A and we could set for more of the same.

The Serie A title race is very much on and Napoli head to AC Milan this week, trailing Juventus by 4 points.  The defending champions have the easier of the two games on paper, as they face Sampdoria at home and Napoli know they must take maximum points from this trip to the San Siro, if they are to have a realistic chance of winning the league.

AC Milan’s season was turned around by current boss Gennaro Gattuso but things have not been going as well in recent games. Having enjoyed a great spell which saw Milan emerge as top four contenders, trends show they have picked up only one win in their last five matches in all competitions.

That win came at home against Chievo Verona in Serie A but AC Milan have tasted defeats against Arsenal in the Europa League and Juventus in Serie A.  Following the loss to Juventus, AC Milan have been held by Inter Milan and at home against Sassuolo, both of which were must-win games as far as the top four was concerned.

However, AC Milan are undefeated in their last six home league games and have conceded only 4 goals across those games, keeping three clean sheets.

Napoli make the trip north knowing they need to win the game and they left the pitch breathing a huge sigh of relief following their last match, at home to Chievo Verona. Napoli were 1-0 down going into the last minute of the match and rescued the game with two late goals.

Trends show Napoli have long been a difficult team to beat away from home in Serie A and they are undefeated in their last twenty-eight away league games, which is a tremendous record.  However, only wins will do now, a draw will not be enough and Napoli have won nine of their last twelve Serie A games but have been held in their last two.

Napoli conceded their first goal in six away games at Sassuolo on the 31st March and will be hoping they can return to their mean defensive ways in this game by keeping out AC Milan for 90 minutes.

Looking ahead to the teams and there is bad news for AC Milan who will be without both first choice centre-backs as Leonardo Bonucci is suspended and Alessio Romagnoli is injured.  Cristian Zapata and Mateo Musacchio are expected to step in and will have a tough job on their hands.

Napoli can welcome back Raul Albiol and Jorginho from suspension but have lost Mario Rui to a ban.  With Faouzi Ghoulam still injured, Christian Maggio will start at right-back, with Elseid Hysaj switching to the opposite side of the defence.

The wheels have come off slightly for AC Milan in recent games and Napoli will be hoping to take advantage of that in this match.  AC Milan have netted just once in their last two home games and Napoli could come away with a crucial, narrow win to nil.