While Napoli were previously unbeaten at home in their last 12 European matches and scored at least three goals in each of their four home fixtures in the Champions League this season, their recent form has been poor. They have won only twice in their last four matches and failed to score in their last league game.
Milan, who are leading Serie A by 14 points, have won all of their last three league visits to Naples and are confident of progressing to the semi-finals. Their 1-0 victory in the first leg was followed by a string of disappointing results in Serie A, but Milan's consistent success in European competitions keeps them in contention. With a rich history in the Champions League, Milan are seeking to secure a semi-final place and potentially face city rivals Inter in the next round.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Luciano Spalletti will need to make at least two changes to his team for the second leg, with a potential third change that could transform their chances of overturning the one-goal deficit. Napoli's Kim Min-jae will be suspended due to a booking for dissent, joining Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa on the sidelines. However, the return of top scorer Victor Osimhen should provide compensation.Despite Osimhen's return, Giovanni Simeone will still be unavailable due to a thigh problem and Giacomo Raspadori is likely to drop out of the starting XI. In place of Anguissa, Eljif Elmas or Tanguy Ndombele will complete the midfield trio for Napoli, alongside Stanislav Lobotka and Piotr Zielinski. Zielinski has been involved in five goals from four home Champions League appearances this season, averaging a goal involvement every 49 minutes.
Milan, on the other hand, made 10 changes to their team in their recent match, with only Mike Maignan retaining his position. The visitors are expected to remain unchanged from their last week's win, with Olivier Giroud leading the line. Giroud has been involved in six goals from nine European outings this season, the best tally for Milan since Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2011-12.
Ibrahimovic will be unavailable due to ineligibility and injury. Simon Kjaer, Sandro Tonali, and Rafael Leao are among those who are likely to feature again. Leao has completed the second-highest number of dribbles in the Champions League this season (33), and his tally represents the most by a Milan player since Kaka in 2004-05 (37).
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Napoli possible starting lineup:Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Jesus, Rui; Ndombele, Lobotka, Zielinski; Lozano, Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia
AC Milan possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Calabria, Kjaer, Tomori, Hernandez; Krunic, Tonali; Diaz, Bennacer, Leao; Giroud
EXPERT PREDICTION
Napoli 2-2 AC Milan
Even though Napoli is known for playing more exciting football, Milan's practical approach has proven to be effective in this season's tournament and may lead them to the semi-finals. Despite the return of Osimhen and the passionate support of Napoli's fans, the Rossoneri have been working towards a comeback to Europe's elite competition for several years and can rise to the challenge.
