AC MILAN v NAPOLI: THE DEBRIEFING

The next day, the adrenaline's gone down, and it's time for the deep, initial analysis. AC Milan v Napoli leaves us with three huge points and some concrete ideas, gas in the engines for the second half of the season and a 2024 that has been practically perfect so far. Rossoneri third place in the table is even better and more secure, also thanks to the win at San Siro on Matchday 24 of Serie A, reexamined in the Debriefing.

DESIRE AND GENEROSITY, THEO TO THE MAX
It was the time to beat Napoli at home in the league, not done since 2014. AC Milan just about made it, deservedly so, like in the first leg of the Champions League 2022/23 semi-finals, a 1-0 scoreline hasn't been seen since Sassuolo at the end of last year. The first bit of positive news in the squad performance, full of desire and generosity when facing a difficult test. Beating the reigning Italian champions, putting 17 points between them, is a huge show of strength that can only bring value and esteem amongst the group. Scoring the winner and MVP from the night was Hernández, not only exceptional for his brilliant goal. From Roma to Napoli, this is the second big hit handed out in the space of a month, with 4 goals scored (all at San Siro). Theo ploughed down the wing, purposeful in attack and determined in defence, finishing off with the captain's armband. An extraordinary player that when unleashed at 100% is just too valuable, doubly so.

BACK TO CLEAN SHEETS, GOOD WORK FROM GABBIA AND FLORENZI
We've already mentioned in the Briefing the importance of keeping a clean sheet. It was essential, the basis on which the victory was built. After three games where we conceded too many, it was obligatory to be back with tighter ranks. Keeping Napoli at bay, anyway, was not a given nor was it easy, the Diavolo suffered and risked at points but remained compact and organised; with bit of luck that never goes amiss, see Simić hitting the post. Two individuals, underscoring the massive Hernández, deserve a special mention: Gabbia and Florenzi. Gabbia isn't a surprise but anyway amazed now that he is back, he affirms his huge output that bordered on excellence against the Partenopei. Marking, tackles, concentration and character: he kept Simeone and Rapsadori down, an impressive show of character. Florenzi, thrown into the fray, brought something rather valuable: standing out as examples are the recovery to keep the ball away from Kvaratskhelia and the other that ended up with a chance for Leão in the second half.

DOUBLE PIVOT, A SUCCESSFUL EXPERIMENT
It was an experiment last night – because it was new – but it might not stay an isolated case. Praise for the encouraging signs should be heaped on Adli and Bennacer, both as individuals but mainly as a pair. Adli was clean and constantly supporting his teammates, while Bennacer was quick and covered every blade of grass. Both players worked incredibly hard in possession but most notably without the ball too. The risk was that they succumbed to the Azzurri’s powerful midfield, consisting of Anguissa, Lobota and Zieliński; instead, they protected the back four and made great use of the space. As advertised pre-match, the presence of Loftus-Cheek also proved pivotal; he had a slow start last night but grew into the game with his power and pace. The absence of Tijjani Reijnders was therefore mitigated somewhat; and while Tiji is likely to be back as soon as the Monza game, a midfield trio that dominated possession as it did last night deserves another go.

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