Milan fired up for Napoli clash

Milan, Jan 20: Resurgent AC Milan host Napoli looking to avenge a crushing home defeat to the Azzuri last season as the fight for title glory and coveted Champions League places intensifies in Serie A.

A week after leaders Juventus suffered a shock 2-1 reverse at Fiorentina to allow Roma to close to within one point, the Turin giants have reason to be looking over their shoulders as they chase a record sixth consecutive crown.

Roma are only one point behind in second before hosting Cagliari, three days after sweeping Sampdoria aside 4-0 in the Italian Cup, and well-oiled Napoli are only three points further behind. Milan are eight points behind in fifth place.

In October 2015, Lorenzo Insigne hit a second-half brace as Napoli stunned the Rossoneri on their way to a chastening 4-0 win while Milan were under Sinisa Mihajlovic.

More than a year on, Milan coach Vincenzo Montella has fans believing that, with some luck, they could pip Roma and Napoli to a third place finish and a possible return to Europe’s premier club competition.

Milan set out their stall last October with a deserved 1-0 win over Juventus, their first of two over the champions so far this season ahead of the sides’ Italian Cup quarterfinal next Wednesday.

Juventus, who host Lazio on Sunday, will be expected to bounce back from last week’s reverse.