Seria A: Ac Milan v SS Napoli

[artan]

Seria A: AC Milan v SS Napoli
Sunday, 2045 San Siro

Milan and Napoli won’t deviate from their attacking instincts as they seek to regain lost momentum during Sunday’s showdown.

What has statistically been the home side’s best start in three seasons belies deeper problems. Filippo Inzaghi’s men have won only one of their last seven fixtures, with their nightmarish tendency to concede from dead-ball situations continuing with Luca Antonelli’s goal last week - already the fifth time the Rossoneri have conceded from a header this term.

Their Coach admitted his side’s lack of quality after that defeat to Genoa. Despite Milan’s effervescent approach, the goals have dried up for Keisuke Honda, presently scoreless in seven matches after netting six in the same number at the outset.

Inzaghi will now be desperate for his key men to redress the team’s shortcomings at both ends, knowing a win would push them level on points with a Napoli side that enjoyed its first win at San Siro in 27 years last season. And accompany a rare spark of optimism at the possibility of a new stadium being built.

The threat posed by a Napoli whose strength has been sapped by three straight draws is significant nevertheless. Early season turmoil has given way to some semblance of stability, the club embarking on their longest unbeaten streak since January 2010. Though suspect at the back, Rafael Benitez has vowed not to curb the offensive urges of his men - a characteristic that has seen Jose Callejon climb the scoring charts this campaign.

And with the heads at Castel Volturno apparently ready to dip into the transfer market for reinforcements this winter, repeating last term’s feat at San Siro could help strengthen the dwindling belief the Scudetto is not out of Napoli’s reach yet.

Keep an eye on: Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli) - El Pipita has soared back after a quiet start, and Napoli will need their Argentine talisman - author of their historic 2-1 away triumph against Milan - to be key again this weekend.

Form guide: Milan (L D D W L) Napoli (W W D D D)

Last season: Milan 1-2 Napoli

Stat fact: Milan have not beaten Napoli in their last six meetings, drawing three and losing three.

Milan (probable): Diego Lopez; Bonera, Rami, Mexes, Armero; Montolivo, De Jong, Bonaventura; Honda, Menez, El Shaarawy

[artan]

as Tiziano Crudelli said last week, this and the next game vs Roma, will show of which material we are built. Dear Tiziano, i whisper to you: ACM are made of UTTER SHIT!

[artan]

despite no one posting, ill write some words. say that Milan won with 2-0 against Napoli(!), the first derby of the season if not mistaken. i dont know if we were strong or Napoli weak. Yet no reason, to start dreaming, since we face Roma next Sunday, a guaranteed defeat.

[Dave]

Napoli seems to be weaker than last season but I enjoyed the match. It's always nice to beat them and we got three very vital points. Our advantage is a weak Seria A. I checked the table and 6 teams from 3rd to 8th place are packed in 3 points difference only! We are not out of UCL spot chase and with a smart winter mercato, we can do it. BTW great goal by Menez!

[artan]

Napoli seems to be weaker than last season but I enjoyed the match. It's always nice to beat them and we got three very vital points. Our advantage is a weak Seria A. I checked the table and 6 teams from 3rd to 8th place are packed in 3 points difference only! We are not out of UCL spot chase and with a smart winter mercato, we can do it. BTW great goal by Menez!

Dave, thanks for posting!

[Dave]

You are welcome