The San Siro is set to host one of Serie A’s most anticipated clashes of the early season as AC Milan welcome reigning champions Napoli on Sunday night. The stakes? A high-octane test of title credentials, a showcase for some of football’s most celebrated veterans, and a pivotal moment in the evolving narrative of Italian football. With both teams surging in form and packed with star power, all eyes are fixed on Milan as the Rossoneri aim to close the gap on their southern rivals.
AC Milan’s campaign began on a shaky note, dropping their opening match to Como. Yet, under the steady hand of Massimiliano Allegri, the Rossoneri have bounced back in style. Four consecutive wins—including a 3-0 Coppa Italia triumph over Lecce—have propelled Milan to third place in the league, just three points behind Napoli’s perfect start. “I am honestly surprised in a positive way at how quickly that has happened, as the team changed quite a lot, but is doing very well,” Adrien Rabiot remarked about the squad’s rapid progress since Allegri’s arrival this summer. The Frenchman, who recently joined Milan after a tumultuous exit from Marseille, credits Allegri’s leadership for creating a united, competitive group. “He is a strong coach and there are quality players here... This is what the coach excels at, creating a unit and having everyone feel involved. I hope it is the start of something big.”
Much of Milan’s optimism stems from a dynamic midfield rebuild. Alongside Rabiot, the arrivals of Real Madrid legend Luka Modric, promising Swiss star Ardon Jashari, and 24-year-old Samuele Ricci from Torino have transformed the Rossoneri engine room. Modric, at 40, continues to defy age, orchestrating play with the same vision and composure that earned him the Ballon d’Or in 2018. His impact has been felt both on and off the pitch—his No.14 shirt is currently the club’s best-seller, with sales surging by 98% after the Milan-Bologna game and by 32% following the Udinese clash. Only 42% of these sales have come from Italy, underscoring Modric’s international appeal. He’s already found the net this season, further endearing himself to the Milan faithful.
“I am happy because everyone gave me such a good welcome, from my teammates to the staff and the fans,” Rabiot shared, reflecting the positive atmosphere at Milanello. The French midfielder has slotted seamlessly into the starting eleven, notching an assist in his opening two Serie A appearances and contributing to the Coppa Italia win. His reunion with Allegri, under whom he previously thrived at Juventus, has been a decisive factor in his swift adaptation. “I know the coach and his staff well, I know their mentality, and I think the players are starting to learn it, which we can see on the field.”
Napoli arrive in Milan brimming with confidence and carrying the only 100 percent record in Serie A after four rounds. Under Antonio Conte, the Partenopei have not missed a beat in their title defense. The summer signing of Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City has added a new dimension to their midfield. The Belgian maestro, already with two goals to his name, has started every match this season and is thriving in a special role crafted by Conte. He and last season’s standout, Scott McTominay, form a formidable pairing that will test Milan’s rebuilt midfield to the limit.
The absence of star defender Alessandro Buongiorno, who suffered a hamstring injury last weekend, poses a challenge for Napoli. Yet, their aggressive pressing style and attacking verve remain undiminished, with De Bruyne’s creativity at the heart of their play. “Both icons of 21st century football, veterans De Bruyne and Modric chose Italy for the latter end of their careers and have so far impressed for their respective clubs,” noted Agence France-Presse. With 59 club trophies between them, their head-to-head battle is more than just a subplot—it’s a celebration of sustained excellence at the highest level.
For Milan, the return of Rafael Leao to training on Thursday is a timely boost. The Portuguese winger, sidelined since a calf injury in a Cup win over Bari last month, is expected to make his league debut for the season, likely from the bench. His pace and flair could be a game-changer, especially as Milan look to exploit any gaps left by Napoli’s attacking forays. The Rossoneri’s tactical discipline and defensive solidity, hallmarks of Allegri’s philosophy, will be put to the test against Napoli’s relentless pressing and quick transitions.
The historical rivalry between these two clubs adds further intrigue. AC Milan, with their storied past and seven European Cups, are seeking a return to domestic dominance, while Napoli, buoyed by memories of Maradona and last season’s Scudetto, are determined to cement their place at the summit. Recent encounters have been fiercely contested, with drama, high stakes, and no shortage of quality on display.
Looking ahead, the implications of Sunday’s clash are significant. A Milan victory would narrow the gap at the top and send a statement of intent to the rest of the league. For Napoli, maintaining their perfect record would reinforce their status as favorites and provide momentum ahead of a busy schedule that includes a Champions League showdown with Sporting Lisbon. Milan, notably, benefit from having no European distractions this term, an advantage Allegri will be keen to exploit as the season progresses.
Beyond the tactical chess match and the individual brilliance of Modric and De Bruyne, this fixture is a showcase for Serie A’s enduring appeal. Fans around the world will tune in not just for the points but for the chance to witness legends shaping the present and inspiring the future. “I wouldn’t say this is a Scudetto test, as there is such a long way to go this season, but we can test ourselves and see how far we’ve come,” Rabiot wisely observed. The Frenchman, set to face his former club Juventus after Napoli, knows the value of these early benchmarks.
As the teams prepare to walk out under the San Siro lights at 18:45 GMT, anticipation is at fever pitch. The football world is ready for a night of drama, skill, and perhaps a glimpse into who will set the pace in this season’s title race. For now, the only certainty is that Italian football’s old glories are shining as brightly as ever.
