The San Siro will stage one of Serie A’s early-season blockbusters as AC Milan host Napoli on Sunday evening, with kick-off set for 19:45 BST. 

Both sides have made impressive starts to the campaign. Massimiliano Allegri’s side are hoping to draw level with Napoli on points with a win, while Antonio Conte’s men can strengthen their title defence with an away win that would be a significant statement of intent. 

Team form 

Milan endured a nightmare start on matchday one, slipping to a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Cremonese. Since then, however, the Rossoneri side have responded impressively with three straight victories over Leece, Bologna and Udinese. 

During that run, Milan scored six times and kept three clean sheets, a strong defensive foundation that they will rely on against the reigning Italian champions. 

Napoli are heading to the San Siro with a perfect record in their opening four games. Conte’s side have dispatched Sassuolo, Cagliari, Fiorentina and Pisa, scoring nine goals and conceding just three in the process. 

The Azzurri’s impressive summer recruitment, notably the arrivals of Kevin De Bruyne and Rasmus Hojlund, has strengthened the side. With four wins from four, this trip to Milan represents their first real test against another Scudetto contender. 

Head-to-head

The rivalry between Milan and Napoli is finely balanced. In their last 41 meetings, Milan have won 12, Napoli have triumphed 15 times, and there have been 14 draws. However, the trend in recent years has favoured the visitors. 

Napoli have lost just one of their last five meetings with Milan, including winning both league games last season en route to the title. Conte’s side also boast an excellent recent record at the San Siro, winning three of their last five visits. 

Team news

Milan could take confidence from several positive updates this week. Christopher Nkunku made his first start since arriving from Chelsea in midweek Coppa Italia action against Lecce, while Rafael Leao, who has been injured since mid-August, is being monitored closely for a potential first Serie A appearance of the season against Napoli. 

Goalkeeper Mike Maignan could also be in contention after a calf problem forced him to miss last week’s win over Udinese. 

Napoli have no fresh injury worries. Romelu Lukaku and Nikita Contini remain sidelined, but Conte could welcome back Pasquale Mazzocchi, who was absent from the squad last week following a minor muscle issue. 

Key stats

• Christian Pulisic has three goals and one assist in four Serie A matches for Milan.

• Kevin De Bruyne has scored twice in four league appearances for Napoli.

• Napoli have averaged 2.3 goals per game across their opening four fixtures.

• Milan boast the second-best defence in Serie A, conceding just twice in four games and keeping three consecutive clean sheets.

Prediction 

This showdown has all the makings of a classic Serie A tight, tactical affair. Allegri will be tested to its limited by a Napoli side that have looked impressive in the opening weeks of the campaign. While the Rossoneri are capable of grinding out results, the champions’ firepower and momentum may just tip the balance.