Napoli – Milan

Neapolitans to break their losing streak against Milan

Before the first encounter in the Italian quarter-final pairing, bookmakers were confused by the recent defeat of the Neapolitan side to Milan in Serie A. The illusion of Napoli's unchallenged dominance in Italian football was also dispelled in a match a week ago. On 40 minutes, a swift counterattack by Milan saw Bennacer net the goal that remained the only one in the first leg of this duel. It cannot be said that Spalletti's men had no chance to get back into the game. Napoli took three more corner kicks, hit more opponents inside and outside the box, but there was no way to rewrite the scoreline. Furthermore, the visitors were reduced to ten men from the 75th minute onwards and therefore the mood in Napoli should not be too depressed by this minimal defeat. Before the return leg, bookmakers see the home side as the favourite, with a win at 1.77. After the Milan match, Spalletti gave some of the leaders a chance to rest in the league game against Verona. The meeting ended 0-0, but Napoli have the right to sacrifice their Serie A games for the Champions League as they have a fourteen-point lead over the closest runners-up. What is happening at the Neapolitan club looks like a slight decline in form, but the Blues are being led by a strong motivational coach. In that regard, two straight defeats to Milan could help Hvic and company set up for a crucial encounter in April's series with the Red and Black. Milan, unlike their upcoming opponents, do not have the luxury of losing points in Serie A with impunity. Saturday's draw with Bologna could have resulted in relegation from the top four of the league, raising the risk of a final 'miss' in next season's Champions League. Ironically, the two victories over Napoli were the only wins in Milan's eight meetings between March and April this year. And the Red and Black have lost points against clubs such as Bologna, Empoli, Salernina, and Udinese. Powerful football is not on display for the Milan club at the moment. It's high time for Napoli to find the keys to Mike Magnan's goal.