Napoli vs. AC Milan: another game for Captain America?

by Tyler Doty

image Napoli vs. AC Milan: another game for Captain America?
This Thursday evening in Riyadh, Napoli and AC Milan will face off in the first semifinal of the Italian Super Cup. As defending champions, Milan arrive in Saudi Arabia with the firm intention of retaining their trophy. And to achieve this goal, the Rossoneri can count on a major asset in Christian Pulisic.

Naples vs AC Milan: a clash for a place in the final

Deprived of European competition this season, AC Milan has made all domestic competitions its main objectives. Although the Rossoneri have already been knocked out of the Italian Cup with an elimination in the round of 16 at Lazio, the Lombards are on track in Serie A, currently in second place and on a 14-game unbeaten streak. Massimiliano Allegri's men have only lost twice in all competitions this season, proof of their defensive solidity. This good form and stability make Adrien Rabiot's teammates our favorites for this Italian Super Cup semifinal (see our Napoli vs AC Milan prediction) against Napoli, an opponent that Milan dominated last September at San Siro.

Napoli has been blowing hot and cold this season, with ups and downs preventing the Neapolitan club from finding stability. This lack of consistency is still evident as they head into the Italian Super Cup, with two consecutive defeats to Benfica and Udinese following five straight wins. It seems very difficult for Antonio Conte's men to find peace of mind, with the coach himself regularly questioned for his working methods, which do not seem to be unanimously accepted behind the scenes. Nevertheless, the Neapolitans remain in contention in Serie A (3rd) and in the Champions League, and this week in Saudi Arabia, underestimating the reigning Italian champions would be anything but a good idea for their opponents.

Captain America in goal-scoring mode this season

Christian Pulisic arrived in Lombardy three seasons ago and has never been stronger in AC Milan colors. The American international has had two very solid first seasons, with 32 goals and 19 assists in all competitions. But with the arrival of Massimiliano Allegri on the Lombardy bench, Captain America is playing a more offensive role, taking center stage in the team's attacking play.

While the Pennsylvania native is less involved in the build-up play (only two assists), the former Chelsea player is much more involved in finishing off moves. With seven goals in 10 Serie A games, Christian Pulisic is on track for his most prolific season since joining the Rossoneri.

In addition to his formidable efficiency, Captain America has also become AC Milan's offensive leader, a new status due to the experience he has gained in recent years and a role that has evolved over the past two and a half years with the Lombards.

Last September, Christian Pulisic was Napoli's nemesis in Serie A, scoring one goal and providing one assist to give AC Milan a 2-1 victory at San Siro. It's a scenario that Captain America would love to repeat this Thursday evening in the Italian Super Cup semi-final in Saudi Arabia!