NAPOLI v AC MILAN: MATCH PREVIEW

There are many unforgettable trilogies in the history of cinema. Sets of three films that tell memorable stories and mark generations of viewers. In a sporting season, it's rare that a trio of matches can shape the destinies of two teams. The stakes are high. Napoli and AC Milan are set to face each other three times in the space of 16 days, but, before the teams meet in the Champions League, there's a big matchday 28 showdown to be played in Serie A. The reigning champions away to the league leaders: it's a match not to be missed, with important points at stake for the respective sides. Our Match Preview provides the lowdown on the 20:45 CEST kick-off. 

LATEST FROM MILANELLO
The last two weeks of work has been geared towards preparing for April, a month that offers the Rossoneri the opportunity to try and find some consistency after some mixed results across January, February and March. After missing the team's last match through suspension, Olivier Giroud will be back at Stefano Pioli's disposal. However, the Coach will have to do without Kalulu and Ibrahimović. Indeed, both players picked up injuries during the international break and won't feature at the Maradona, where the Rossoneri could return to a four-man backline. If they do so, captain Calabria would be ready to take to the pitch at right-back, while Kjær is likely to get the nod over Thiaw and partner Tomori in the centre of defence. As regards the attacking third of the pitch, Krunić could be selected to start, with Brahim Díaz potentially being shifted to the right.

"Two decisive months await," said Coach Pioli in his pre-match press conference. "All judgements and verdicts remain incomplete, and we can still do a lot in the coming weeks. During the break, I told the lads that nothing has changed compared to last year. Nobody believed in us last season, and this is also the case this time around. It all depends on us and what we do. The team are doing well, and I'm sure that we have the mental fortitude and will be able to display this. We haven't forgotten how to prepare for and play certain matches."

LATEST FROM NAPOLI
After sustaining an injury away on international duty, Victor Osimhen won't be available for the clash. The Nigerian also missed the reverse fixture and joins Bereszyński on the absentee list. Simeone will step in for the current top scorer in Serie A, with the Argentine having already scored against AC Milan in September and now ready to be part of a front three also made up of Kvaratskhelia and either Lozano (who is the favourite to play) or Politano. Anguissa, Lobotka and Zieliński are once again set to line up in midfield, while Kim (one booking away from suspension) and Rrahmani will be the Partenopei's centre-back pairing in front of Meret. As for the full-backs, while there's not much doubt about captain Di Lorenzo's starting position at right-back, it remains to be seen who will get the nod between Mário Rui and Olivera on the left flank.

"This is a match where the points are worth double," said Luciano Spalletti on the eve of the game. "AC Milan won the league last year and also eliminated Tottenham. They're a strong team and possess players who can play quick vertical passes over 70-80 metres. They can also build from the back. Their pressing game can cause problems, and they have an exceptional centre-forward in the form of Giroud. Osimhen's absence is obviously a loss, but we've always been able to get by without him. Everyone gave just that little bit more."

WHERE TO WATCH NAPOLI v AC MILAN
In Italy, the game will be broadcast live on DAZN from 20:45 CEST. To watch the game abroad, head to the "Abroad" section of the page "Where to watch AC Milan on TV".

Before the game, head to Milan TV for our Matchday programme. Coverage starts at 19:30 CEST and will run right up to kick-off at the Maradona. After the game, we will have analysis, interviews and Stefano Pioli's press conference.

Head to our Twitch channel for the Live Reaction to Napoli v AC Milan, starting at 20:40 CEST, with Francesco Specchia, Lollo and more. Also, don't miss our live feeds on all of our social media channels, on acmilan.com and via our Official App.

LATEST FROM SERIE A
The referee for the match at the Maradona will be Antonio Rapuano, who has already taken charge of two AC Milan matches this season: the 0-0 draw in Cremona and the 1-0 away victory over Monza. The 37-year-old will be assisted by Giallatini and Perrotti, while Doveri will perform the role of fourth official. Di Paolo and La Penna will oversee VAR. 

Matchday 28 in Serie A kicked off on Saturday 1 April with the following results: Cremonese 1-3 Atalanta, Inter 0-1 Fiorentina and Juventus 1-0 Hellas Verona. Following the lunchtime kick-off between Bologna and Udinese today, the latest round of fixtures will continue with Monza v Lazio and Spezia v Salernitana (15:00 CEST), followed by Roma v Sampdoria at 18:00 CEST. After Napoli v AC Milan, two games will be played on Monday 3 April: Empoli v Lecce at 18:30 CEST and Sassuolo v Torino at 20:45 CEST.

This is the current Serie A table: Napoli 71; Lazio 52; Inter* 50; Milan, Atalanta* 48; Roma 47; Juventus* 44; Fiorentina* 40; Udinese 38; Bologna and Torino 37; Sassuolo 36; Monza 34; Empoli 28; Lecce and Salernitana 27; Spezia 24; Hellas Verona* 19; Sampdoria 15; Cremonese* 13. (* = one more game played)

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