AC Milan secured an important advantage after our 1-0 win over Napoli in the first leg of our Champions League quarter-final tie this week.
Ismael Bennacer’s first-half goal was all that split the two sides as Napoli were reduced to 10 men in the latter stages, and although we rode our luck at times, it was an important win that gives us a slender advantage heading into the return leg in Naples next week.
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For now, our focus switches back to Serie A this weekend, but given our history in Europe and the opportunity that potentially lies ahead if we continue to play at our full potential, it’s certainly hoped that we can not only defend our lead next Tuesday night, but also build on it and successfully advance.
It certainly won’t be easy as Napoli showed their quality and threat at San Siro, but having stunned them with a 4-0 win on the road earlier this month, they’ll also be wary of the threat we pose, especially on the counter-attack now that we have something to protect.
Special European nights at San Siro
Having been fortunate enough to attend the game, it was another timely reminder of just how special the atmosphere is at San Siro on a European night.
From the pre-match build up and choreography to the intense and hostile reception that was given to the Napoli players when in possession, there was a cauldron-like feel to the game on Wednesday night and our players would have thrived off that.
We’ve had some amazing times and created some incredible memories at San Siro over the years, and it’s hoped that there is still more to be made this season if we can finish the job next week.
What a win, what a night. Hopefully now finish the job in the second leg 👊🏽🔴⚫️#SempreMilan #ForzaMilan pic.twitter.com/cE329nB8Vr
— Talk Milan (@talkmilan1) April 13, 2023
Game-changer Maignan shows his class again
The outcome could have been very different had it not been for Mike Maignan’s decisive impact with a string of sensational saves to keep Napoli out.
We sorely missed the French international’s presence during his extended absence due to injury earlier this season, and this was another game in which his class came to the forefront and proved to be game-changing.
His late stop to deny Di Lorenzo was stunning, and while it’s hoped that we can give him less to do next week, the reliability, consistency and quality that he continues to show makes him fundamental to our success.
Calabria, Kjaer link up well to muzzle danger man
There was a real sense of anticipation and concern every time Khvicha Kvaratskhelia picked up the ball, and he almost made an instant impact with his early chance that was cleared off the line.
While the Milan fans jeered his every touch, it was almost a sign of respect of the threat that he poses, but between Davide Calabria and Simon Kjaer in particular, but with help from others too, the Rossoneri did a solid job of limiting his influence as best as possible.
There was a clear directive to be aggressive with him and to hurry up in possession while always being wary of not allowing him to cut inside on his right foot, and they did a top job of marshalling him and denying him the chance to be decisive.
Brahim Diaz turns on style
On big European nights, it’s arguably more than just about winning, it’s the manner in which you do it that makes it both special and memorable.
Brahim Diaz understood the assignment as he turned on the style and showed real flair and technical quality to get the Milan faithful on their feet and to create dangerous situations, one of which eventually resulted in our goal.
The Spaniard is upping his game at the right time and in big encounters, and he’ll hopefully repeat that trick next week in Naples to lead the way in getting us through as his creative ability in the final third is so vital to us, particularly given the lack of quality being offered from others.
Pioli gets midfield combination right in decisive call
Whether it was Sandro Tonali pressing and harrying Napoli’s midfielders into mistakes or Rade Krunic playing a tactically astute and vital role in our defensive performance to Bennacer’s decisive contribution in a more advanced role.
Stefano Pioli had big decisions to make and having found the blueprint to beat Napoli in our showdown earlier in the month, he was able to repeat it with another smart coaching performance.
While there were breakdowns along the way and Napoli will feel frustrated that they weren’t more clinical in front of goal, Milan gradually got to grips with them and imposed ourselves on the game. We need to follow that up next week and Pioli will no doubt have a plan in mind to nullify them as best as possible again while giving our attacking threats the chance to kill the tie.