This is probably going to be a drab affair. Napoli will be missing top scorer Victor Osimhen, who leads Serie A with 21 goals and has four in the Champions League. Giovanni Simeone, one of three other Napoli players with four UCL goals, also could be out. This version of AC Milan lacks depth and a clear focus in an attack that is often underwhelming. Milan won 4-0 in Naples 10 days ago, but this is a whole different matter. Olivier Giroud might steal a goal, but Napoli have posted eight clean sheets in their past 11 matches in all competitions. They have yielded eight goals in 15 away games in league play. The visitors should be content to mostly sit back and defend and look to close this out next week at home.

Napoli are one of the best teams in the world and AC Milan beat them 4-0 the last time they played, but I’m keeping the faith in this Napoli side despite their injury issues. The major struggle for Napoli is that they are without both Victor Osimhen and his backup, Giovanni Simeone in attack. But, while this sides attack has been basically unparalleled in Italy, their defense is just as much their calling card. Only second place Lazio with have conceded fewer goals than Napoli’s 21 and similarly Napoli’s expected goals conceded of 24.9. Milan has also been struggling with that Napoli win their only one in their past six matches, so Napoli should look to win a low-scoring affair.

Napoli will be without the best goal scorer at the moment in Serie A, Victor Osimhen (muscular injury). His replacement, Giovanni Simeone, may also miss this game after picking up a knock against Lecce. With Napoli missing two key goal scorers, I expect them to use this first leg to stall, keep the score low and rest up for the big second leg at home in Naples.