AC Milan vs Napoli - 5 key battles to watch out for | Serie A 2021-22

AC Milan and Napoli will square off at the San Siro on Sunday in a blockbuster clash in Serie A.

The two title contenders, who went the opening 12 games of the season unbeaten, have lost some of their early momentum lately. The Rossoneri have won only twice in their last five outings to cede top spot to arch-rivals Inter Milan. The holders are four points ahead, but have played a game more.

The Partenopei, meanwhile, are down in fourth after losing consecutive games to Napoli and Empoli. In fact, they are winless in three league games now, having started their campaign with eight consecutive wins.

Both teams are desperate to keep up with the defending champions and reignite the title race. A draw would be an undesirable result for both. Ahead of the highly anticipated kick-off, here's a look at the five key battles that could determine the outcome of the game.

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#5 Brahim Diaz (AC Milan) vs Andre-Frank Anguissa (Napoli)

Diaz has been menacing for Milan.

Brahim Diaz has grown by leaps and bounds since joining AC Milan last year, becoming a key player in Stefano Pioli's swashbuckling team.

This season, he's among their most dangerous players, bagging three goals and as many assists. However, the Spaniard hasn't found the back of the net since September.

Nevertheless, no one creates opportunities quite like him. Diaz has made several key passes, and found spaces in opposition defences with impeccable vision.

These attributes of Diaz would need the utmost attention from Andre-Frank Anguissa. The defensive midfielder has made a meteoric surge to prominence this season.

Signed from English Championship side Fulham on loan, the Cameroonian has shown his ability to make the step up and deliver at the top level. However, Diaz would provide him a tough examination.

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#4 Piotr Zielinski (Napoli) vs Sandro Tonali (AC Milan)

Udinese Calcio vs SSC Napoli - Serie A

Napoli fans didn't know what to expect from Piotr Zielinski when he joined from Udinese in 2016. However, since last year, the Pole has shown his talent and potential consistently.

He has excelled in various positions in midfield. He has the joint-highest goal-contributions in Napoli's squad in the league this season with nine (five goals and four assists).

His energy and directness could be a test for Milan's defence. Sandro Tonali must restrict Zielinski's movements, which could go a long way in negating his impact. The 21-year-old reads the game well, allowing him to make vital clearances and blocks, and he makes good ball-recoveries too.

#3 Theo Hernandez (AC Milan) vs Mario Rui (Napoli)

Hernandez has made the most assists in the Milan squad this season.

Mario Rui offers excellent width and attacking presence for Napoli. However, he'll have to be wary of AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez's presence down the same flank.

The Frenchman has blossomed into a world-class prospect since joining Milan in 2019, bringing a new dimension to the side's attack with his flair and creativity.

This season, he has assisted five times in the league, the most in Milan's squad, while also bagging a goal. Rui will have to keep an eye on Hernandez's forward sprints, as the Milan man is key to stretching opposition defences open.

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#2 Dries Mertens (Napoli) vs Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan)

SSC Napoli vw SS Lazio - Serie A

Napoli are missing three attackers - Victor Osimhen, Lorenzo Insigne and Fabian Ruiz - through injury. However, luckily for them, Dries Mertens is available, and will be looked upon to score against Milan.

The Belgian has struck five times in the league so far. In the absence of some of his attacking cohorts, he will look to bag a few more and make a case for himself. However, Fikayo Tomori could prove to be a stumbling block in his endeavours, as the former Chelsea man has been rock-solid at the back for Milan this season.

Averaging 2.3 tackles and 3.1 clearances per game in the league, the Englishman is positionally aware, strong on the ball and times his challenges to perfection. He's also a valuable aerial threat from set-pieces, as demonstrated by his goal against Liverpool in the Champions League.

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#1 Zlatan Ibrahimovic (AC Milan) vs Amir Rrahmani (Napoli)

AC Milan vs Liverpool FC: Group B - UEFA Champions League

Ante Rebic is still out injured, while Olivier Giroud will likely to start on the bench, having only returned from a lengthy injury lay-off. So the goalscoring burden for Milan could once again be on the broad shoulders of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The ageless striker shows no signs of slowing down, even at 40. He has netted seven goals in the league this season, the most in the Milan squad.

It shows how reliable and consistent he remains at this age, something which could put many younger players to shame. His acrobatic goal against Udinese demonstrated his timeless athleticism.

SSC Napoli's Amir Rrahmani can expect a busy outing against the towering Swede, and he'll have to muster his A-game to stop Ibrahimovic. The Kosovo international has grown in influence with Napoli this season, starting every game since matchday four, and also scoring twice.

He is mainly known for accurate passes, completing 92.1% in the league, but also loves to tackle and make vital blocks.