Milan-Napoli Preview: Who Has It Worse?

Milan has been in decline for twelve years, ever since our last Champions League trophy, really. With three ownership changes in two years, a parade of coaches, and the number of players in and out equal to the population of a medium sized country, it is no wonder we can’t seem to get back on our feet. But Napoli right now are in the midst of a drama right now that would make the Real Housewives shows look like wholesome family entertainment. So the question is: Who has it worse?

Need more of this

Napoli were going through a disappointing run of games, so De Laurentiis called for a ritiro between their draw in their Europa League match and their next league match. The players, and apparently Ancelotti, rebelled, and did not return to the team hotel. This infuriated De Laurentiis. Rumors were flying about discipline against Ancelotti, Mertens, and more. In their next training, which was open to fans, they were abused and even threatened the entire time. After their draw with Genoa, a few players were the victims of robberies, and then De Laurentiis threatened to sue the players and take half of their salaries. That’s probably not even all of it, either. Needless to say, Napoli are a really hot mess.

Eyebrow raising levels of drama

On the pitch, they have a loss and four draws in their last five games. Their 0-0 match vs. Genoa didn’t help the crisis at the club. For that match, Ancelotti lined up: Ospina; Di Lorenzo, Maksimovic, Koulibaly, Hysaj; Callejon, Ruiz, Zielinski, Insigne; Mertens and Lozano. Ancelotti has some injuries, including some from the international break. They include: Malcuit, Milik, Ghoulam out injured, and Allan in question for this match. Mertens also picked up a knock playing for Belgium this week, but will most likely be available. Additionally, with De Laurentiis threatening to fire Ancelotti, he has been heavily linked with a return to Milan next season, where he was beloved as both a player and manager and won all the trophies.

Missing pieces

Pioli has two injuries in Musacchio and Castillejo. But the ones he’ll really miss are Calhanoglu and Bennacer, both suspended for this match due to card accumulation. Biglia is the obvious replacement for Bennacer, but either Bonaventura or Rebic could easily replace Calhanoglu. After the strong performance against Juventus before the break, fans seem very optimistic. However with two starters out, it could very much disrupt the delicate balance of the emerging mentality, and will undoubtedly impact the number of errors made.

Milan are so used to being the most tragic story on the pitch, but the drama at Napoli right now may just eclipse our problems. Both teams will be desperate for the win. Milan playing at home should help, but there are no guarantees in football. The only real question is: Who has it worse?

This post inspired by the music of Savages’ “The Answer”

Serie A Week 13

Milan vs. Napoli

Saturday, November 23 • 18:00 CET (12noon EST)

This match can be streamed LIVE on ESPN+ in the U.S.