Former striker Hernan Crespo believes Milan have the edge over Napoli in their Champions League quarter-final clash, calling them the favourites to win the tie.
The two sides will battle it out in an all-Italian affair in the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier club competition, lining up the Scudetto holders against the team ready to snatch away the title.
The stage was set for this tie when Milan travelled down to face Napoli in the league earlier this month, flying to an unexpected 4-0 win at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Crespo looked ahead to Milan’s clash with Napoli in the Champions League quarter-finals and explained why he believes the former are favoured.
“I see a favourite and it’s Milan. First of all, the San Siro boost is felt a lot. Second, the success at the Maradona can put the turbocharger on Pioli’s team.
“Tactically I think the Rossoneri will use very high pressing, marking Lobotka man-to-man again.”
He then highlighted two individuals who could make the difference for the Rossoneri.
“Leao can open up the Napoli defence, while Tonali is a real balancer in the middle of the pitch.”
When these two teams met in Serie A back in September, Napoli edged out a 2-1 win over Milan.
The winner of this tie will face the winner of Inter-Benfica in the semi-finals of the Champions League, setting up an exciting route to the final.