Probable Milan XI vs. Napoli – Bennacer starts as Pioli takes one game at a time

Ahead of AC Milan’s clash against Napoli, a report has made some early suggestions about who may start for the Rossoneri in a must-win game.

The Partenopei have seen a massive drop-off from last season, where they won the Scudetto and have failed to steady the ship since Luciano Spalletti’s departure. As a result, Milan have to capitalise, and earn a first home victory against Walter Mazzarri’s side since the 2014-15 season.

MilanNews writes Stefano Pioli is taking things one game at a time and is not thinking about the midweek fixture against Stade Rennais. With this in mind, the expectation is that he will field a full-strength squad, given they could go 17 points ahead of the visitors on Sunday.

Mike Maignan will be shielded by Davide Calabria, Simon Kjaer, Matteo Gabbia and Theo Hernandez – there are no reasons to change the defence, but both Kjaer and Gabbia will be keen to impress with Malick Thiaw returning shortly.

Yacine Adli will start once again, but he will be partnered by the returning Ismael Bennacer, who is once again ready for selection from the start. Tijjani Reijnders misses this fixture due to suspension.

Ahead of them, the attacking line-up will remain the same. Ruben Loftus-Cheek will operate as the Trequartista, as is a commodity now. He will be flanked by Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao, and Olivier Giroud will lead the line.

Probable Milan XI (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria, Kjaer, Gabbia, Theo Hernandez; Adli, Bennacer; Pulisic, Loftus-Cheek, Leao; Giroud.