AC Milan is looking to protect their one-goal advantage against SSC Napoli as they meet for the final leg of their quarter-finals. Their first leg is a close match between these two teams, as both are eager to enter the next round. This is the first time that Napoli entered the quarter-finals of the Champions League. With that, it is actually surprising how they ended up having the advantage in the series. Milan on the other hand are already a seven-time winners of the contest. This meeting will be hosted by Napoli on April 19, 2023, at 3:00 AM (GMT+8).
Prior to the first leg of their quarter-finals, these two teams already met earlier this month. During that match, it was the visitors who took a 4-0 win, before their 1-0 win during their first leg. However, despite those wins, the hosts still won more than the visitors in their last 33 matches. While the hosts recorded 13 wins, the visitors has nine wins only, while their remaining 11 matches ended in draw. The visitors now have a one-goal lead which they need to protect if they want to win in this series. The hosts on the other hand will not back down as they aim to overturn the result of this match.
AC Milan
Milan is currently fourth in their domestic league standings, but they have been inconsistent all season. In fact, they are from a disappointing 1-1 draw against Bologna on their previous match. For this match, they cannot afford to bring their inconsistencies here, as it will be a bigger problem for them. If they bring their inconsistencies in the second leg, it may cost Milan to lose their semis chances. Milan needs to address their issues prior to this match, in order to protect their lead in this series. Although they were able to show brilliance during their campaign, their result over the weekend is somehow disappointing. Their first leg win is their second win against Napoli this month. With that, they are aiming to get their third win against the same opponent for this crucial match.
As Milan is now back to its full strength, it is expected that no changes will be made for their squad. However, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is unavailable in this match as he is ineligible and injured.
SSC Napoli
Napoli on the other hand are sitting at the top of their domestic league league table. This is not surprising though, as they have been in an excellent form all season. However, they are coming into this match from a surprising goalless draw against Hellas Verona in this match. Unfortunately for them, they lost to the first leg of their quarter-finals, bringing them at the disadvantage of this series. They are lucky though that they are down by just one-goal, but Napoli should expect Milan to go all-out in this match. Reversing the result of this series might be quite easier for Napoli, as they have been impressive this season. However, just like Milan, they also have issues that needs to be addressed. Moreover, they must find answers as well on why they are playing poorly against Milan.
Unfortunately, Frank Zambo Anguissa is unavailable here due to his suspension, but luckily, Victor Osimhen is expected to return in this match. Giovanni Simeone on the other hand is also sidelined due to his injury.
Prediction:
SSC Napoli (2.5)
Odds: -0.85
SSC Napoli to win on aggregate (2-1)
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