Milan vs Napoli: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview

AC Milan suffered a shocking defeat in their 2025-26 Serie A opener, losing 2-1 at home to Cremonese. However, the Rossoneri have managed to bounce back admirably from that defeat and responded with three wins in a row to entrench themselves in the upper echelon of the Serie A standings four rounds into the campaign. But is that uptick in form enough to challenge the reigning titleholders?

Napoli are showing they might be the team to beat in Serie A for the second consecutive campaign. Antonio Conte’s men are the only team with a perfect record in the league through the first four matches. After adding Kevin De Bruyne to the mix, it seems the Partenopei club will be unstoppable once again at the domestic level. Securing the three points from San Siro would certainly enhance their status as the best team in Italy at the moment.

AC Milan Are on the Upswing

AC Milan were heavily criticized, and for good reason, after dropping the league opener against Cremonese at home. More than the disappointing result, Milan looked sluggish in that game and didn’t appear to be in sync from a tactical perspective. Fast forward a few weeks, however, and it’s clear the Rossoneri is on the rise thanks to four consecutive wins – and clean sheets – across all competitions.

However, and as good as they’ve been playing of late, facing Napoli is a completely different animal. This will be the first time Milan play against a title contender in the 2025-26 campaign, and this will be a good measure to see what the team can do in terms of fighting for the league title. A negative result is certainly a possibility, but if the team manages to steal the win, it’d certainly solidify Milan’s position in the standings, while also backing up the notion that the early-season loss to Cremonese was nothing more than a bump on the road.

Milan Injury & Suspension News

AC Milan will be close to full strength for this matchup. Rafael Leao will be a game-time decision due to a calf injury, though even if he’s available, he’s not likely to start. The lone confirmed absentee is Ardon Jashari, who’s rehabbing from a lower-leg injury and won’t return until November at the earliest.

Can Any Team Slow Down Napoli?

The biggest question surrounding the Serie A right now is if any team in the league can stop Napoli. The Partenopei squad looks to be head and shoulders above the rest of the league, although to be fair, their early-season schedule has been easy: Sassuolo, Cagliari, Fiorentina and Pisa. Facing Milan will be their first real test in a season where they are looking to win back-to-back league titles.

Napoli should have enough quality to see off the challenge of Milan, though. Even though the Rossoneri have improved defensively in recent weeks, Napoli boast an impressive collection of talent in the final third, headlined by De Bruyne, Scott McTominay and Matteo Politano. Napoli have scored at least three goals in their last two Serie A matches, so they seem to be hitting their stride offensively. A win here over Milan, especially in San Siro, would solidify their status as the team to beat in the league.

Napoli Injury & Suspension News

Pasquale Mazzocchi is going to be a game-time call for this clash due to a thigh injury, though he’s not expected to be a starter even if available. Alessandro Buongiorno is out with a thigh injury and won’t be available until after the October international break, while Romelu Lukaku (thigh) and Nikita Contini (hand) are long-term absentees.

AC Milan vs Napoli Prediction

AC Milan are on the rise following three straight wins in the league and another one in the Coppa Italia, but perhaps the most important aspect of those wins is the fact that they’ve now posted four straight clean sheets. Napoli are also excellent defensively, thanks to only three goals conceded in the first four Serie A rounds. Due to the defensive excellence from both clubs, a scenario with under 2.5 total goals looks entirely plausible.

CryptoGamba tip: Under 2.5 total goals – 1.77 @ Stake