Napoli 0 v 1 AC Milan

 

Napoli played hosts to AC Milan with the battle for the Scudetto on the line. Whoever would win the match would be claim host to first place.

 

The match play out with Napoli controlling majority of the game, looking for a weakness in AC Milan’s defensive armour. Mike, Tomori and Kalulu were immense in their role in holding back the attacking threats , with both Kalulu and Tomori portraying a fast paced and composed defensive duo. AC Milan did provide an offensive front on the counter, constantly trying to get past Napoli’s defence who were doing a great job double teaming Leao.

 

 

Referees have been a very poor blight on the game this season, it’s worth in a decade which is concerning when you have three teams vying in such a tight and tense title race.  Messias battled admirably down the right hand flank whilst Leao threated from the left. Giroud was quiet but kept putting himself in challenges and could have nicked one before half time.

Oliver Giroud did not have to wait long as early into the second half , he ensured to provide a deflection from Calabria which then resulted into the back of the net. Calabria initially tried during the match but had a number of errors before then. Pioli’s switch to 4-3-3 was a great move for the match with  Milan able to swiftly move the ball across the pitch and Theo’s central runs resulted in the midfield numbers being overturned into Milan’s favour, with many chances that should have resulted in a more positive outcome for Milan that were either squandered through errors or Napoli’s last minute efforts.

Giroud who had battled all game, including having his ankle cut, went off injured late in game for Rebic who came back into more composed form, providing key runs forward and defensive efforts in Milan’s attacking half.

 

The last ten minutes saw Napoli swarm and throw everything in the tank at Milan who withstood the offensive efforts, though Salaemakers missed a clear opportunity to end the game  which he will hopefully learn from. AC Milan ended the game with Kessie, Ibrahimovic and Salaemakers employing time wastage efforts at the corner flag which frustrated the Napoli team.

Player Ratings

3- Theo Hernandez

2- Bennacer

1-Giroud