BIGGEST TEST SO FAR

Napoli are the visitors to San Siro this weekend, in a game likely to provide an accurate measure on where Milan currently stand.

Match Details

• Fixture: AC Milan vs Napoli
• Date: Sunday 28 September 2025
• Kick-off: 20:45 local time at San Siro, Milan
• Competition: Serie A (Matchday 5)

Context & Stakes

This is one of the marquee fixtures of the early Serie A season — a clash between Milan and the defending champions, Napoli — and its outcome, though certainly not defining, could send a strong signal about title ambitions.

• Napoli come into this match unbeaten in the league so far, top the table with 12 points from 4 games.
• Milan, meanwhile, are just behind on 9 points (3 wins, 1 loss) and are eager to close the gap.
• A win would not only level Milan with Napoli (or potentially leapfrog them, depending on other results), but also boost confidence for the squad and fans heading deeper into the campaign.
• Ticket sales reflect the magnitude: Milan expect a near sell-out (over 72,000) at San Siro on Sunday night.
• Historically, Milan vs Napoli is a fixture tinged with drama — a test of whether the Rossoneri can match up to Napoli’s consistency under Conte. AC Milan themselves have reflected on past meetings and some classic encounters in their “Time Machine” feature.

Form & Momentum

AC Milan

Strengths / Positive trends:

• Milan are gaining momentum after a shaky start: a 2-1 home defeat to Cremonese in the opener long forgotten - as the team proceeded to claim maximum points from the 3 games since - along with Coppa Italia progression.
• Speaking of which - In the midweek Coppa Italia, they delivered a strong performance (hammering Lecce 3-0) which should help maintain sharpness and confidence - especially for striker Santi Gimenez who finally ended his goal drought.
• Christian Pulisic is in good touch; he has delivered in recent matches with 5 goals and 2 assists to his name so far.
• Defensively, Milan have been relatively solid, conceding just 2 goals in 4 league matches (so an average of 0.5 goals per game).

Concerns / potential vulnerabilities:

• Against a high-quality opponent like Napoli, Milan will need to be disciplined and avoid costly lapses in concentration. The Rossoneri will need to be at it from the first whistle.

Napoli

• Napoli have looked strong and consistent under Conte, with a squad that blends experience and attacking threat.
• They have conceded 3 goals in 4 matches, a slightly higher rate than Milan’s defensive record so far.
• Key names to watch: Scott McTominay (a physical presence in midfield) and Kevin De Bruyne have been highlighted as pivotal figures in the midfield battle.
• Napoli’s attack is dangerous — they combine intelligent movement, pressing from the front, and creative outlets in the final third. They found the net 3 times in their most recent game against Pisa.

Tactical & Match-up Focus

From Milan’s viewpoint, here are the key tactical dimensions and match-ups to consider:

1. Midfield battle
   This could be decisive. Milan must match Napoli’s physicality and control. Rabiot (if available) and Fofana must ensure Napoli don’t dominate possession and control the tempo. Napoli will likely use McTominay, De Bruyne, and others to try to exploit gaps or influence transitions. While Milan will once again look to Luka Modric to provide the creativity.
2. Pressing & transitions
   Milan will want to press intelligently — not recklessly — to disrupt Napoli building from the back. But they also need to be cautious not to be exposed to counterattacks, especially given Napoli’s speed and movement.
3. Use of wide areas / full-back support
   Napoli often try to stretch play wide, so Milan’s wing-backs must either stay compact or push out to force Napoli inside. If Milan can overload wide areas or hurt Napoli on the flanks, that could be a useful route.
4. Clinical finishing
   Against a side like Napoli, chances may be scarce. Milan must take their opportunities when they come. Efficiency will matter. Santi Gimenez is back on the goal trail following his Coppa Italia strike in midweek, with Nkunku and Pulisic also on the scoresheet - the forward players are certainly in form.
5. Set-pieces & dead-ball situations
   In tight games, set-pieces (corners, free-kicks) often become decisive. Milan will hope to exploit these through Tomori and Pavlovic, while also defending them strongly.
6. Psychological edge & home support
   Playing at San Siro, Milan have the crowd behind them - potentially with their famous Curva Sud back in position following recent protests, which could energize their play — especially in tough phases of the match. The mental edge of performing at home in a ‘big game’ should not be underestimated.

Expected XI & Team News

Probable Milan XI (3-5-2 / variant):

• Goalkeeper: Maignan
• Defence: Tomori, Gabbia, Pavlović
• Wing / wide midfield: Saelemaekers, Estupinan
• Central Midfield: Fofana, Rabiot, Modric
• Attack: Giménez, Pulisic

Unavailable / Doubtful:

• Jashari (Calf Injury)

On Napoli’s side, Meret is reported fit and should reclaim the goalkeeping position. Their lineup likely features midfielders Gilmour, De Bruyne, McTominay, and Elmas, with Hojlund in attack.

Prediction & Key Scenarios

Given all the above, what might we expect?

• Many analysts expect a tight, low-scoring game given the quality of both sides and the stakes. The under 2.5 goals market is often tipped in betting previews for this one.
• Some pundits suggest a draw, perhaps 1-1, as a realistic outcome given the parity.
• Others lean slightly toward a Milan win, relying on home advantage, momentum, and tactical discipline.
• My Prediciton? Milan 2-1 Napoli

Key scenarios to watch during the match:

• If Milan can absorb any early pressure and remain compact, they can slowly impose their rhythm.
• If Napoli break through first, Milan will need to be brave in chasing without overexposing themselves.
• The involvement (or absence) of Maignan and Leão could sway the balance, especially in tight moments. Both players are proven match winners, albeit at opposite ends of the field.