Both teams vie for a spot in the title race as they meet on Easter Monday.
Category: Sports
In a highly anticipated Serie A clash, Napoli will host AC Milan at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on April 6, 2026, with only one point separating the two teams in the standings. This match, set to kick off at 19:45 BST (20:45 CEST), marks a decisive moment in their pursuit of the Scudetto.
Currently, Napoli sits in third place with 62 points, trailing second-placed Milan, who are just ahead with 63 points. A victory for Napoli could narrow the gap to league leaders Inter Milan, who recently defeated Roma 5-2, putting them seven points clear. With both teams on the hunt for a title, this match a thrilling encounter.
Napoli enters the match in excellent form, riding a four-game winning streak. Coach Antonio Conte is set to field a formidable midfield trio for the first time this season, featuring Stanislav Lobotka, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Scott McTominay, and Kevin De Bruyne. This combination is expected to provide the creative spark necessary to break down Milan's defense.
Unfortunately for Napoli, they will be without Rasmus Hojlund, who has been ruled out due to a stomach bug and fever, making him unavailable even for the bench. Hojlund has been a key player for Napoli, having started the last 29 matches. In his absence, Giovane will lead the attack alongside De Bruyne and McTominay.
Milan, managed by Massimiliano Allegri, has also been in decent form, winning three of their last four matches. Nevertheless, they have faced setbacks, including losses to Lazio and Parma in recent weeks. Allegri has opted for a new strike partnership featuring Niclas Fullkrug and Christopher Nkunku, which means that both Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic will start on the bench. This tactical decision comes as Pulisic has struggled to regain his scoring form, managing only one assist in 2026.
In addition to Pulisic, Milan's Leão is not fully fit due to a hip inflammation, which has prompted Allegri to adjust his offensive strategy. The new pairing of Fullkrug and Nkunku is seen as a risk, as neither player has consistently made an impact this season.
As for the rest of Milan's lineup, Adrien Rabiot is expected to start, having recently dropped out of the France national team due to precautionary reasons. The midfield will also feature Luka Modric, who brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the team. Meanwhile, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is back on the bench after recovering from facial fractures sustained in February.
The two teams have met twice already this season, with Milan winning the first encounter 2-1 at San Siro in September, followed by Napoli's 2-0 victory in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final in December. This latest meeting is expected to be just as competitive, with both teams eager to secure all three points.
For Napoli, the lineup is as follows: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic; Alessandro Buongiorno, Mathias Olivera, Juan Jésus; Miguel Gutiérrez, Stanislav Lobotka, Frank Anguissa, Leonardo Spinazzola; Kevin De Bruyne, Scott McTominay; Giovane.
Milan will field: Mike Maignan; Fikayo Tomori, Koni De Winter, Strahinja Pavlovic; Alexis Saelemaekers, Youssouf Fofana, Luka Modric, Adrien Rabiot, Davide Bartesaghi; Niclas Fullkrug, Christopher Nkunku.
Fans can catch the match live in the UK on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 4, and through DAZN. In the United States, viewers can tune in via the streaming service, Paramout+. With both teams eager to assert their dominance in the league, this match is not just about points; it’s about pride and positioning as the season approaches its final stretch.
As the Easter Monday showdown approaches, the stakes could not be higher. With Napoli aiming for their fifth consecutive win and Milan looking to solidify their standing in the title race, this match is set to be a thrilling contest filled with intensity and drama.
With the title race heating up, every point counts. The outcome of this match could have lasting implications for both teams as they navigate the final weeks of the Serie A season. A win for Napoli would boost their confidence and place them firmly in contention for the championship, as they seek to close the gap on Inter Milan.
As kick-off draws near, the pitch at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, where two of Italy's top teams will battle it out for supremacy.