As Napoli prepare to welcome Milan at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, in one of this season’s most crucial matches, Rossoneri tactician Stefano Pioli has been handed a major boost with regard to the return of his most experienced veteran, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The Swedish striker has been sidelined since late January with an Achilles injury and has returned to train with the first team lately, as the club enters the most vital part of the league season.
Speaking to the press in his pre-match conference, Pioli revealed Ibra’s condition ahead of the showdown.
“Ibra is better. He trained with us both yesterday and today and will probably be there tomorrow,” he said (via SempreMilan)
His return will undoubtedly be of great importance to Milan, both morally and on the pitch. However, he is not expected to start the game.
Ibrahimovic is still the club’s joint-top goalscorer in the league this season with 8 goals, despite missing much of the fixtures after new year. He last appeared in the 0-0 stalemate against Juventus on January 23. The veteran has 8 goals and 2 assists in 19 appearances this campaign.
The potential title decider sees 2nd placed Napoli clash against 3rd placed Milan, in a bid to overcome rivals Inter at the top of Scudetto standings, at least momentarily. The Nerazzurri lead the table with 58 points – one point ahead of the Partenopei and Rossoneri.