TIME MACHINE: NAPOLI v AC MILAN

Napoli, Napoli, and even more Napoli. It wasn't a joke, simply April 2023 was very peculiar and with some coincidental scheduling in the Serie A and Champions League, we met with Napoli three times in 16 days, a unique, yet challenging, situation. Before playing for a place in the Champions League semi-final, the Rossoneri and the Azzurri had to face off in the league. Everyone was focusing on the upcoming clash in Europe so the evening of 2 April 2023 at the Maradona was a really interesting fixture to see how the two teams would fare ahead of a crucial Champions League quarter-final. 

Spaletti's Napoli were cruising in the league, and they had pretty much secured the Scudetto on Matchday 28, 19 points ahead of second place. Pioli's AC Milan, however, were in a crisis, perhaps one that went deeper than disorientation and decline. And yet, in Europe, they progressed into the Champions League quarter-finals after beating Tottenham in the Round of 16. Despite their need for points to secure their place in the league table, the Rossoneri hadn't won in the league since February, having lost 2-0 at home to Atalanta, 1-2 away to Fiorentina, 1-3 away to Udinese, with a 1-1 home draw to Salernitana throughout that time. The game against Napoli was a chance for the team to regain their pride and to prove themselves in a tough contest.   

The Rossoneri were ready and the team lined up as normal: the best side played in the regular 4-2-3-1 formation: Maignan; Calabria, Kjær, Tomori, Hernández; Krunić, Tonali; Díaz, Bennacer, Leão: Giroud. It was an amazing performance, practically perfect, and the Rossoneri flourished in attack from the very first whistle. Leão scored the opener in the 17th minute following Díaz's incredible assist. Brahim then doubled the lead, converting a fine team play. Leão scored again in the 59th minute, getting onto the end of Tonali's through ball and finishing superbly into the top corner. Saelemaekers made it four in the 67th minute with an outstanding solo goal. It was a triumphant 4-0 win, warning Napoli ahead of the Champions League quarter-finals.

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