As the Serie A season heats up, AC Milan is preparing for a crucial showdown against Napoli on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the iconic Maradona Stadium. The match, which kicks off at 20:45, is pivotal for both teams, with Napoli striving to keep pace with Inter in the Scudetto race, while Milan is in hot pursuit of a Champions League spot.
Recent reports from multiple Italian outlets, including Sky and La Gazzetta dello Sport, indicate that Rafael Leao is set to start from the bench for this high-stakes encounter. This will mark the 10th time in the current season that the talented forward has been sidelined as a substitute, excluding matches missed due to injury.
Leao's absence from the starting XI is a surprising twist, especially considering his impressive statistics this season—10 goals and nine assists. Coach Sergio Conceição appears to favor Joao Felix to take the left-wing position instead, as he looks to field a competitive lineup against Napoli, managed by Antonio Conte.
In Milan's final training session leading up to the match, Conceição tested a lineup that included goalkeeper Mike Maignan, a four-man defense with Kyle Walker, Matteo Gabbia, Malick Thiaw, and Theo Hernandez, and a midfield trio of Warren Bondo, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Tijjani Reijnders. The attacking front will likely feature Christian Pulisic on the right wing, with Felix or Leao on the left, and Tammy Abraham leading the charge as the central striker.
With Loftus-Cheek ruled out due to appendicitis, Bondo's inclusion in midfield is a notable change, as he partners with Reijnders to bolster the team's structure. Abraham, who has been in fine form, is expected to replace the injured Gimenez as the focal point of Milan's attack.
As the match approaches, the stakes couldn't be higher for both squads. Napoli, sitting in a strong position, is eager to maintain their title challenge, while Milan, buoyed by recent victories against Lecce and Como, is determined to secure their place in the Champions League. Conceição emphasized the team's ambition, stating, "If I didn’t believe in a comeback, I wouldn’t be here. The environment is good and healthy, with the desire to finish strong like Milan should."
Conte, on the other hand, acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Milan, highlighting their strengths and the need for Napoli to be at their best. "We face a very strong team, built to win the Scudetto. We need to be careful, as they have strengthened in January with quality players. We will need the support of the Maradona. There will be suffering, but we must overcome the obstacles," he remarked during a pre-match press conference.
As the teams finalize their preparations, fans are eager to see how this tactical battle unfolds. Will Leao's surprising benching impact Milan's performance, or will Conceição's strategy pay off against a Napoli side desperate for points? The excitement is palpable as both teams gear up for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
With the match set to be broadcast exclusively on DAZN, fans worldwide will be watching closely to see how this critical clash in the Serie A unfolds. The atmosphere at the Maradona is expected to be electric, with both sets of supporters eager to cheer their teams to victory.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, all eyes will be on the pitch to see if Milan can continue their resurgence and if Napoli can maintain their title challenge. The stakes are high, and the drama is sure to unfold in what is being billed as one of the season's most significant clashes.
