IBRA DOUBLE INSPIRES AC MILAN WIN
Serie A
Napoli became the latest top side defeated by AC Milan on Sunday, as the Rossoneri triumphed 3-1 thanks to a superb team performance. Following the international break, Milan’s sixth win of the season was secured at the San Paolo thanks to a display on-par with that of the Derby, with the result proving equally as important. The reason being that it was picked up away from home against an extremely tough opponent, one that is also competing with Milan for Champions League qualification. It was a brace from Ibrahimović that ultimately proved decisive; however, Hauge also bagged his first Serie A goal in the dying minutes. The only negative was a muscle injury picked up by Zlatan in the second half. Overall, the win was the perfect way to regain momentum after the draw against Verona, while also providing a perfect response to the day’s other results. In terms of the performance itself, the Rossoneri battled on from their strong start before then snatching a second at just the right moment. What followed was the team capitalising on their numerical advantage after Bakayoko’s red card and then sealing the win. The reality of the result means Milan sit atop the Serie A league table eight matches in. Up next is a trip to face Lille in the Europa League, with the Diavolo in action at 18:55 CET at the Pierre Mauroy stadium on Thursday 26 in their fourth match in Group H. However, we can first enjoy a wonderful result in Serie A and one dedicated to Coach Pioli.
THE PHOTO GALLERY FROM NAPOLI 1-3 AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
Undoubtedly, it was an attacking start from the Rossoneri on Sunday, with the away side enjoying several great chances after just 10 minutes. The first fell to Rebić, who was unable to trouble Meret after being picked out by Ibrahimović. Next up was Çalhanoğlu, who forced a save from the edge of the area before Kjær was then unable to keep a close-range effort on-target. It was in the 20th minute that Milan’s positivity paid off, as Ibrahimović cut across Koulibaly to meet a Hernandez cross before executing a wonderful header. Napoli responded well to the goal, and it was in the 27th minute that Donnarumma pulled off a great stop to prevent Mertens from finding the bottom corner. Almost immediately after a goal-line clearance and the crossbar came to Milan’s rescue as Napoli were denied once again. Chances also fell to Politano and Lozano before the half-time whistle, although neither were able to dent Milan’s lead.
The second half started similarly to the end of the first, with the Azzurri enjoying the lion’s share of possession. However, the hosts were left stunned in the 54th minute as Ibrahimović scored his second of the night. The goal stemmed from a rapid counter-attack and culminated in the Swede dispatching a precise cross from Rebić. Ibra found the back once again six minutes later although it was ruled out for offside. The 63rd minute saw Napoli pull one back through Mertens, although the hosts were reduced to 10 two minutes later after Bakayoko was shown a second yellow card. As the game entered its latter stages both Fabián and Petagna threatened, although Hauge sealed the win in the 95th minute after scoring Milan’s third through a wonderful solo effort.
NAPOLI 1-3 AC MILAN
NAPOLI (4-2-3-1): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Manolas, Koulibaly, Mário Rui; Fabián (90' Elmas), Bakayoko; Politano (69' Petagna), Lozano (56' Zielinski), Insigne; Mertens. Subs: Contini, Ospina; Ghoulam, Malcuit, Maksimović; Demme, Lobotka; Llorente. Coach: Gattuso.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): G. Donnarumma; Calabria, Kjær, Romagnoli, Hernández; Bennacer, Kessie; Saelemaekers (73' Castillejo), Çalhanoğlu (87' Krunić), Rebić (73' Hauge); Ibrahimović (79' Colombo). Subs: A. Donnarumma, Tătărușanu; Conti, Dalot, Duarte, Gabbia; Díaz, Tonali. Coach: Bonera.
Referee: Valeri from Roma.
Goals: 20' e 54' Ibrahimović (M), 63' Mertens (N), 95' Hauge (M).
Booked: 47' Calabria (M), 59' Rebić (M), 76' Kessie (M), 81' Mário Rui (N), 85' Castillejo (M).
Sent Off: 65' Bakayoko (N).
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