AC MILAN BEAT THE PARTENOPEI
Serie A
AC Milan’s positive streak continues: on matchday 5 in Serie A, the Rossoneri ran out 2-1 winners over Napoli at San Siro, claiming their fourth consecutive league victory after an extremely hard-fought match. Massimiliano Allegri’s men took the lead after just three minutes through Saelemaekers before doubling their advantage through Pulisic in the 31st minute. Following Estupiñán’s red card (57’) and the subsequent penalty converted by De Bruyne on the hour mark, the Rossoneri were forced to dig in to come away with the three points. It took plenty of heart and sacrifice to secure a win that puts us top of the table, level with Napoli and Roma, as we continue our excellent start to the season. Spurred on by the crowd, the team played entertaining, direct football in the first 45 minutes before displaying real solidity and determination after the restart.
The Rossoneri managed their lead well and resisted Napoli’s late pressure, thanks in part to the impressive Maignan, who pulled off several important saves, and a rock-solid defence. Allegri’s decision to set the side up in a 3-5-2 allowed the Rossoneri to cover the pitch well and counter effectively. In the final half an hour, Rafa Leão returned to action - his first appearance since AC Milan v Bari on 17 August - while Bartesaghi and Athekame also came on to fight alongside their teammates and defend the result. Despite the late Partenopei siege, AC Milan showed real character and never lost their shape, qualities that will be vital for the challenges ahead. Forza Milan!
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM AC MILAN v NAPOLI
MATCH REPORT
The first half began with AC Milan playing very aggressively: the lead came early on thanks to Saelemaekers, in the right place at the right time to put the finishing touch to a great run from Chris Pulisic. The Rossoneri withstood the onslaught from Napoli, as the away side forced Mike into two saves. Then, after finding new spaces to push into, the team came close to making it 2-0 through Fofana, who came into a one on one situation with Meret, but put his effort over the bar. Pulisic doubled the Rossoneri's lead in the 31st minute after finishing off a move started by Pavlović and then helped by Fofana: a right-footed finish to light the San Siro up. Napoli tried to react but the Rossoneri did well to control possession and see out the first half.
In the second half, Napoli increased the pressure and the match turned in the 57th minute: Estupiñan was sent off for fouling Politano in the penalty-area, following a great save from Maignan to deny McTominay. A penalty was awarded to the visitors and De Bruyne converted it in the 60th minute. Pulisic was replaced by Bartesaghi to shore up the defence. Despite the numerical inferiority, Allegri's side defended well. Leão, Loftus-Cheek and Athekame all came on to provide fresh legs for the team. Napoli threw everything at AC Milan, but Maignan stood tall to deny Neres and Lang. In the final minutes, AC Milan resisted attacks from Napoli, to bring the three points home.
MATCH DETAILS
AC MILAN 2-1 NAPOLI
AC MILAN (3-5-2): Maignan; Pavlović, Gabbia, Tomori (79' Loftus-Cheek); Estupiñan, Rabiot, Modrić, Fofana (79' De Winter), Saelemaekers (69' Athekame); Pulisic (59' Bartesaghi), Giménez (69' Leão). Subs: Pittarella, Terracciano; Odogu; Ricci; Nkunku. Coach: Allegri.
NAPOLI (4-1-4-1): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Marianucci, Juan Jesus, Gutiérrez; Lobotka (90'+3 Gilmour); Politano (77' Lang), De Bruyne (73' Elmas), McTominay (73' Neres), Anguissa; Højlund (73' Lucca). Subs: Ferrante, Milinković-Savić; Beukema, Mazzocchi, Vergara; Ambrosino. Coach: Conte.
Referee: Chiffi from Padova.
Goals: 3' Saelemaekers (M), 31' Pulisic (M), 60' pen. De Bruyne (N).
Booked: 90' Rabiot (M).
Sent-off: 57' Estupiñan (M).
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