Stuttering Napoli Prepare To Host AC Milan As Juventus Begins New Era Under Igor Tudor

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Napoli are under pressure in the Serie A title race as they prepare to face AC Milan on Sunday. Since selling Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January, Napoli have struggled, winning just once in their last seven league games. This has left them three points behind Inter at the top. Antonio Conte has voiced his frustration over Kvaratskhelia's move to Paris Saint-Germain, where the winger has quickly become a key player.

Inter Milan aim to solidify their lead in Serie A when they play Udinese earlier on Sunday. After trailing Napoli for much of the 2024-25 season, Inter now enjoy a three-point lead following a 2-0 victory against Atalanta. Although Udinese should be manageable, Inter may miss key players like Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram due to injuries.

Juventus begin a new chapter under Igor Tudor with a home game against Genoa on Saturday. The club dismissed Thiago Motta after a challenging season that jeopardised their Champions League spot, as they currently sit fifth. Despite leading Serie A with 113 build-up attacks, Juventus have only scored three goals from such plays, ranking below five other teams.

Atalanta might also see changes as Gian Piero Gasperini announced he won't extend his contract beyond June 2026. Speculation suggests he could leave after this season, with Juventus and Roma interested. Currently third with 58 points, Atalanta remain outsiders in the Scudetto race but much attention is on Gasperini's future.

Milan are also struggling under head coach Sergio Conceicao, who faces pressure just three months into his tenure. They sit ninth in the table, six points behind Bologna for the final Champions League spot. However, Conceicao can take solace in having a full squad available for their trip to Napoli's Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Napoli hold a significant advantage over Milan this season with 61 points compared to Milan's 47. In their previous 153 Serie A encounters, Napoli have only had a larger points lead over Milan three times: February 2014 (15 points), April 2018 (25 points), and April 2023 (23 points).

Gasperini Focused on Present

Gasperini remains focused on ending his ninth season at Atalanta positively. "There's always a beginning and an end," he said recently. "What lies in between is the journey, which is often the most beautiful part." He aims to finish strong after securing Champions League qualification six times and winning the Europa League last May.

Atalanta will visit Fiorentina on Sunday, another team vying for Champions League qualification. Gasperini emphasises living in the present: "Am I looking for a house in Rome or Turin? For now, my home is in Bergamo." With nine league matches remaining, he remains committed to finishing well.