Week 7: Milan – Napoli

Milan vs. Napoli September 18 2022 20:45CET

Milan came out of the last week with two wins. First lowly Sampdoria were beaten 2-1 in a game that didn’t always look secure. The team struggled to break down Marco Giampaolo’s team. A bigger test awaited in the second Champions League match day. Dinamo Zagreb visited the San Siro and Milan beat them 3-1 more comfortably than some expected.

Sharing the top of the table spot with Napoli makes this a big match up relatively early in the season. Milan, inevitably, has a growing injury list in Rebic, Florenzi and Origi. A bigger problem for Pioli and Milan is that Leao is suspended via two questionable yellows versus Sampdoria last week. All this leaves the attacking department lacking options. Giroud will have to start but behind him the team might opt to use both Saelemaekers and Messias around De Ketelaere. Diaz looks to be the player to benched. Further back the line up is more certain. Bannacer and Tonali have started this season well and will start when available. Pobega seems to be growing into his role as a backup midfielder however. Calabria will be backed up by Dest. Dest was presented during the week and declared that he is capable of playing both left and right back and is ok with moving further up to be a de facto right winger. Tomori, Kalulu and Theo will complete the back line with Maignan in goal.

Napoli have an injury hit of themselves with Victor Osimhen missing with a femoris muscle problem. Milan do have to deal with one of the stars of this new season in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian winger has provided highlight plays so far and will be a threat.

There is always more about this match and others on the forums.