Napoli’s win over AC Milan extended their lead at the top of Serie A to seven points, with goals from Romelu Lukaku and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia securing the victory. Despite Milan’s dominance in possession, Napoli’s defensive solidity under Antonio Conte and their efficiency on the break proved crucial in securing the three points. Milan’s Strahinja Pavlovic played a key role in Napoli’s opener, allowing Lukaku to score after just five minutes. Kvaratskhelia’s second goal further cemented Napoli’s lead, despite Milan’s efforts to get back into the game.
Paulo Fonseca will face criticism for his selection decisions, particularly for leaving Rafael Leao on the bench. While facing challenges with injuries and suspensions, Fonseca’s choices were questioned, especially with Milan’s upcoming fixtures in Serie A and the Champions League. The pressure will be on Fonseca to turn results around, with the possibility of his position being in jeopardy if the team does not perform well in their upcoming matches.
Alessandro Buongiorno was highlighted as the Player of the Match for Napoli, showcasing his defensive capabilities and comfort on the ball. The summer signing from Torino played a crucial role in nullifying Milan’s attacking threats, particularly Morata, Loftus-Cheek, and Chukwueze. Napoli’s solid defensive display aided in securing the important victory over Milan at San Siro.
Player ratings for both Milan and Napoli reflected the performances on the pitch, with key players such as Musah, Chukwueze, and Morata standing out for Milan, while Anguissa, Gilmour, and Lukaku impressed for Napoli. The match highlights included Lukaku’s opener, Kvaratskhelia’s goal, and Morata’s header for Milan, showcasing the key moments of the game.
Despite Milan’s efforts to get back into the match, they were unable to break down Napoli’s defense consistently, leading to a disappointing result for the hosts. Fonseca will need to address the team’s performance in the upcoming fixtures to avoid further criticism and potential changes in management. Napoli’s strong defensive display and clinical finishing proved to be decisive in securing the victory and extending their lead at the top of Serie A.
