NAPOLI v AC MILAN: KEYS TO THE MATCH

AC Milan and Napoli, chapter two. After the international break, the Rossoneri return to the pitch to look for important points in the 28th matchday of Serie A. The scenario is that of the Maradona, a stadium that in less than twenty days will host the return leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. But now is not the time to run with thoughts, because Napoli vs AC Milan is worth three points but also something more, points to be earned to better face the exciting season finale that awaits Coach Pioli's men. On the eve of the match, we try to analyse the match looking for some keys that could direct the outcome of the match.

AERIAL CONTROL
On the one hand we find a team that makes aerial play its main quality - 15 goals have been scored by Napoli in the league so far - and on the other, one that prefers other ways to find the net. Spalletti's Azzurri have in this respect one of their greatest strengths, which in turn corresponds to one of the main concerns for Coach Pioli's defence, which so far has conceded from aerial situations. Containing Osimhen and exploiting the strength of Olivier Giroud will be decisive, but everything will start from not conceding space out wide in the defensive phase and at the same time making the most of set-pieces. Supported by the wings, the two full-backs will have the task of not letting the opposing wide players, who - like the two Rossoneri - have different characteristics, breathe. If, on the left flank, Leão and Kvaratskhelia tend to move into the centre of the box to look for a shot on goal, Saelemaekers and Lozano often seek the corner of the right-hand side to fish for their respective crosses in the centre of the box. Hitting Napoli with their best weapon in the offensive phase could, moreover, turn the match on its head and take away assurance from the Parthenopean backline.

PATIENCE AND EXPERIENCE
The course of the match could be very different from the one observed in the first leg at San Siro, where the Rossoneri were on top for large stretches and put Napoli on the ropes, failing only in the scoring phase. Spurred on by their own supporters, the Azzurri could approach with energy and determination, putting AC Milan's resistance to the test from the start. The points at stake are important and begin to weigh heavily, both for morale and for table position, but, unlike a double-header based on 180 minutes, a minimum advantage will 'suffice' to secure them. The management of chances will therefore be relevant, and the experience of the more experienced Rossoneri will have to stand out in order to drag the team through difficult situations. Finding the ner will certainly not be an easy task, the Neapolitans boast 14 clean sheets in Serie A, and for this reason, it will be necessary to wait for the right moments to pounce. It is forbidden to get carried away and risk exposing themselves to the opponents' pressure, as happened in the first leg when Napoli took advantage of the Rossoneri's excessive desire to get the three points to upset them with the only chance they had. Patience and management, that's another key, especially considering that AC Milan have already scored 11 goals in the last quarter of an hour of play.

MIDFIELD BATTLES
The two coaches will study in detail the moves to gain the upper hand and control of the midfield, the crucial part of the pitch. The main men should be the starters on both sides, while the formations will be split between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1, without considering the variations between the different phases of the game. If Bennacer - in terms of characteristics - is closer to Lobotka, it will be Sandro Tonali's turn to compete physically and technically with Zambo Anguissa first and then Ndombele. The Algerian will have to be adept at looking for spaces and freeing himself from the pressure of Zieliński - who is used to dropping back - in order to set, and consequently command, the rhythm of the match with his usual leadership, with the aim of easing the Azzurri's aggression and triggering the movements of his team-mates effectively. Díaz - or Krunić - will have the task of supporting the midfield duo and limiting line breaks from the Azzurri's midfielders, while at the same time creating a numerical advantage in the build-up and asserting his presence inside the penalty area. Winning every single duel will sway the balance.

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