NAPOLI v AC MILAN: KEYS TO THE MATCH

Expectation is building, and the tension and desire to reach a historic landmark is rising. The fourth and last chapter between AC Milan and Napoli this season, and the third in April, sees a 2022/23 Champions League semi-final place up for grabs. The slender lead earned in the first leg at San Siro has given the Rossoneri something to defend with all their might, without taking too many risks. Ahead of the game, set to be played on Tuesday 18 April at 21.00 CEST, let's take a look at some potential key areas that may influence the outcome of the game at Maradona.

ATTITUDE AND PERSONALITY
The away-goal rule was scrapped at the start of this season's Champions League, which would have given the Rossoneri a further advantage after their 1-0 first-leg victory. Not much is needed, therefore, to bring the two-legged affair back in the balance and defending until the final whistle, even in case of a draw, will not bring about the required result. Most probably, Napoli will conduct the rhythm of the match, as they will be keen to break the deadlock as soon as possible, with AC Milan ready to react on the counter making the most of potential favourable situations during the game. Less than a week has passed since the reverse fixture and it's hard to see both head coaches making significant changes to team selection and tactics. What may change, though, is the attitude from both sets of players, as well as a couple of new faces, forced or otherwise, with the Rossoneri midfield certainly needing to put on show their versatility and leadership qualities. Tonali, Bennacer and Krunić will all have to work together as one unit: Sandro, who finds it difficult to spare himself, will be the one to dictate the Rossoneri attack, with Krunić and Bennacer covering every blade of grass and space possible between the lines, as well as then supporting the frontline. In general, every one of Coach Pioli's Rossoneri lads will need to combative and full of energy for the entire 90 minutes, as demonstrated at San Siro, with unity and group togetherness vital in order to come away with a positive result from the Maradona. 

GOALKEEPERS IN COMMAND
Mike Maignan and Alex Meret is a match-up between the sticks that may prove decisive in the return game at Maradona. Since coming back into the side at the end of February, Mike has kept the back door shut five times in nine games, with two of those against the Azzurri. Instead, Meret is behind only Provedel for the most number of clean sheets collected so far in this season's Serie A (14), and he didn't concede either in the last-16 tie with Eintract Frankfurt. They are two extremely trustworthy goalkeepers, which give both sides confidence in defence. Beyond the 90 minutes of regular time, already loaded with tension, there is the small matter of considering extra-time and penalties in knockout games, as this one is. Staying alert and concentrated until the final whistle is blown will be another challenge both keepers will have to contend with, who are also both involved in their teams' build-up play. So far this season, the Rossoneri's number 16 and the Azzurri's number 1 have saved a penalty apiece, both in August 2022: Berardi for the Frenchman, and Colombo for the Italian. Explosiveness, reaction time and experience could well prove decisive qualities in getting through to the next stage of the competition.

CREATIVITY AND OFFENSIVE FRESHNESS
In the first leg, both sides created various good opportunities to score, but only one was taken. To surprise the oppositions' organised defensive rearguard, Pioli and Spalletti will be relying on their number 10s and the flair of their forwards. AC Milan and Napoli's main attacking threats were rested in the league fixtures at the weekend - against Bologna and Hellas Verona, respectively -, and they will be ready to light up the Maradona with renewed energy. Rafa Leão and Kvaratskhelia, in their respective left flanks, will have the job of beating their man and continuously creating dangerous situations, keeping their opponents constantly on the back foot. Dribbling and forward plays for Brahim Díaz and Lozano on the opposite side will also be the order of the day. The Spaniard played a vital role in opening the scoring on his last visit to Maradona, just as he were in turning the tide in his team's favour at San Siro with his driving runs forward. Up top, Coach Pioli also kept Olivier Giroud on the bench in the league at the weekend, and he will be itching to get back on the scoresheet against the Azzurri, while Spalletti's men will have Victor Osimhen back. For both centre-forwards, the objective will be just one: take advantage of every goalscoring chance that comes their way. And if regular time isn't enough then the subs bench may prove important in giving the attacking front new liveliness and impetus.

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