As AC Milan belatedly begin their 2018-19 campaign at the Stadio San Paolo on Saturday night against, they do so knowing that results against Italy’s top sides in recent years have been anything but positive.
Last weekend, the Partenopei started their Serie A season in perfect fashion with an away victory over fellow Champions League hopefuls Lazio, while the Rossoneri’s match with Genoa was postponed after the recent tragedy in the city.
Over the last 10 years, though, Milan have secured just 19 victories against their rivals at the top of the championship from 80 matches played, and is a trend that must be reversed if they are to challenge for a Champions League berth, or the Scudetto.
Since winning the title in 2010-11, the Rossoneri have taken just 10 points from a possible 48 from reigning champions Juventus, and their record is only marginally better with 14 points scored against Napoli, with their last victory in Naples in 2010.
Present that day in the Milan starting line-up was current coach Gennaro Gattuso, but the 2006 World Cup winner has started to improve results, registering eight points from against the top four during the second half of last season.
After a full pre-season to work with his players, Gattuso will be confident that he can continue that trend and put a smile back on Milanisti faces this term.
Source: forzaitalianfootball.com