Champions League Quarterfinals: Milan – Napoli
With the backdrop of the 4-0 rout of Napoli the two teams meet again, this time in the Champions League quarterfinals. Milan wasted the good surprise effort of beating Napoli away by tying Empoli at home. A top 4 spot remains very much uncertain. Managing to go deeper in the 2022-2023 Champions League would be a huge boost financially and football-wise but it will be tough task. At least Napoli are very beatable. The team will continue to miss Victor Osimhen and could also miss Giovanni Simeone and therefore the attacking reposnisblity will fall mainly on Giacomo Raspadori’s shoulders. Hirving Lozano and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will need to be subdued for Milan to stand a chance of winning this tie.
Pioli and Milan rested five players versus Empoli, to poor effect, but the players trusted for the 4-0 win at the Maradona should be back for this Champions League first leg. This means Krunic and Tonali as pivots with Bennacer further forward and Diaz pushed to the right. The back four should survive as well with Kjaer a likely starter with Tomori, Calabria and Theo. Leao and Giroud will hope to show good form. Recently sidelined Messias and Kalulu are ready for the bench.
The second leg of the tie will take place next week so neither team has much of chance to rest. The 4-0 win suggests that Milan have a chance to advance but a lot will depend on which teams show up and how the tactics adapt.
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