How AC Milan could line up against Napoli

AC Milan's quest to become European champions for an eighth time continues into the Champions League quarter-finals this week, as they host Napoli at San Siro on Wednesday.

Ahead of the Italian clubs' first-ever continental contest, Milan have an almost full squad available, with only Pierre Kalulu troubled by a calf problem and veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic ruled out due to a thigh injury.

A dull 0-0 draw against Empoli last time out highlighted the thinness of Stefano Pioli's squad, so several Rossoneri regulars will return in midweek after being rested against the Tuscan side.

Last season's Serie A MVP Rafael Leao and their four-goal Champions League top scorer Olivier Giroud will be back in action up front, supported by mercurial playmaker Brahim Diaz, whose two-year loan from Real Madrid concludes at the end of this season.

As in a recent 4-0 win over Napoli at Stadio Maradona, Simon Kjaer should also bring his vast experience to bear in the Milan back four, with Malick Thiaw expected to drop down to the bench.

Meanwhile, in midfield, Pioli favourite Rade Krunic is likely to replace Tommaso Pobega and join forces with Ismael Bennacer and Sandro Tonali.

Captain Davide Calabria was recently recalled to the side as the Rossoneri reverted to a more familiar lineup after dabbling with a three-man defence, and the Brescia-born full-back will again be given the task of nullifying Napoli's wing wizard Khivcha Kvaratskhelia.

AC Milan possible starting lineup: Maignan; Calabria, Tomori, Kjaer, Hernandez; Tonali, Krunic, Bennacer; Diaz, Leao; Giroud

> Click here to see how Napoli could line up for this contest