"AC Milan begin the defence of their Supercoppa Italiana crown tonight, taking on Antonio Conte's Napoli in the semi-final in Saudi Arabia. While the Supercoppa might not be the number one target for any club going into a season, it certainly brought joy to Milan during a 2024-25 campaign that was riddled with disappointments otherwise. The winner would advance to the final to play the winner of Bologna versus Inter, and the Rossoneri have the chance to potentially equal Juventus' record of nine Super Cup titles. Against a Conte side though, it will not be easy."
"The two sides are expected to line up in similar systems: a 3-4-2-1 for Napoli and a 3-5-2 for Milan. This, the midfield and the flanks will become crucial. In the middle of the park, there will be a battle between Stanislav Lobotka and Luka Modric, who will be in opposing engine rooms even if not directly facing each other. Both will face the task of trying to set the pace of play with their building out from the back, but at the same time must shield the three-man defence behind them. Modric's important to Milan cannot be overstated, though in recent games he has looked a tad rusty. Whoever dictates from deep could have the keys to the game."
"This is a big night for Koni De Winter and Rasmus Hojlund. There is something that unites them in the fact that Milan took a strong look at signing both players in the summer window, but the difference is that the former actually signed from Genoa while the latter headed for the Italian champions. De Winter has disappointed so far when he has stepped in, but with Gabbia absent he simply has to step up this time. Hojlund meanwhile has netted six times this season and he faces a batt"
AC Milan face Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final in Saudi Arabia, with the winner advancing to play Bologna or Inter in the final. Milan aim to defend the trophy and can potentially equal Juventus' nine Super Cup titles with victory. Milan carry several injury concerns: Matteo Gabbia (knee), Santiago Gimenez (facing ankle surgery), Youssouf Fofana only fit for the bench, and uncertainty over Rafael Leao. Both teams will likely use three-man defensive systems, making midfield and flank battles decisive. Key duels include Stanislav Lobotka versus Luka Modric, while Koni De Winter and Rasmus Hojlund face important personal tests.
Read at SempreMilan
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