Key events
Some Jonathan Wilson on Napoli and the Champions League (from Feb).
Milan’s Stefano Pioli think Napoli will be a very different team to the one they thrashed 4-0 recently.
“They have great quality but we start from 0-0 and I expect two balanced matches. We can expect something different from them, which can also be a new attitude in the defensive phase, and we have to be good at recognising that.
“The league performances have given us some indication. We know we have to play a great game to be up to the task against such a strong team. (But) regardless of (league) performances, all that matters now is the Milan that takes the field tomorrow.
“We must play a focused game in every aspect. The opponents have great quality and they know how to take advantage of every mistake and be dangerous. We cannot afford to drop our concentration levels because the stakes are very high.”
Stefano Pioli is confident in his own look.
Some pre-match reading …
Starting lineups
Milan (4-3-3): Maignan; Calabria, Kjaer, Tomori, Theo Hernandez; Krunic, Tonali; Brahim Diaz, Bennacer, Leao; Giroud
Subs: Mirante, Nallo, Rebic, Kalulu, Florenzi, Origi, Thiaw, Junior Messias, Pobega, Gabbia, Saelemaekers, De Ketelaere
Napoli (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Kim, Rui; Anguissa, Lobotka, Zielinski; Lozano, Elmas, Kvaratskhelia
Subs: Gollini, Idasiak, Bereszynski, Jesus, Olivera, Ostigard, Gaetano, Ndombele, Politano, Raspadori
Buonasera
It is fourth against first in Serie A, although that does not count for much in Europe. After Internazionale’s win at Benfica last night, Napoli and Milan will be desperate to be the second team in the Champions League semi-finals. Could you imagine a Milan derby?
Napoli are 22 points better off than tonight’s opponents in the domestic game but 10 days ago, Milan went to Naples and thrashed the soon-to-be champions 4-0. It shows that the gap is not as big as some might think. That will have given Milan plenty of confidence but Napoli will be desperate for revenge.
One issue for Napoli is the absence of Victor Osimhen. The Nigeria striker has 25 goal in all competitions this season, nine more than any of his teammates. That will put Khvicha Kvaratskhelia further into the spotlight. The Georgian has been one of the standout players in Europe this season and is another key reason why Napoli are on the verge of domestic history.
Milan saw off a subdued Tottenham in the last round thanks to a single goal in 180 minutes of the round of 16 tie. The last time the reached the last four was in 2006-07 when they went on to win the competition. Since then reached this stage only once, a sign of their decline and the improvements elsewhere in Europe. Under Stefano Pioli they have become a dangerous side but have looked vulnerable at the back.
It should make a fun and fiery encounter.
Kick-off: 8pm BST.
