AC Milan produced a sensational performance on Sunday night as we secured a 4-0 win over Napoli in a much-needed positive performance and result.
Given our poor form prior to the international break, coupled with the runaway Serie A leaders continuing their charge towards the title, few would expected a Milan win let alone the fashion in which we secured it.
READ MORE: Milan player ratings vs Napoli: Influential trio superb in excellent win
Nevertheless, we produced a superb display to stun the home side and their fans, and it was a fundamental win too as it moved us back into the top four in the table and is a major confidence boost ahead of facing Napoli in the Champions League next week.
It’s important that we follow it up against Empoli on Friday first though, as this will hopefully be the catalyst to put together a strong run to end the season.
Pioli gets set-up and game-plan spot on
Before delving into the performance on the pitch itself, credit should go to Stefano Pioli for implementing the perfect game-plan, to not only nullify Napoli’s threat, but to hurt them in key areas and put ourselves in a position to maximise our qualities.
With our defensive set-up, we frustrated them across the pitch, limited their danger men and forced them into errors throughout and that impacted their rhythm and the mood around the stadium.
While the players deserve a lot of credit for successfully executing that plan, it starts with Pioli’s preparation and tactical instructions, and they were spot on for this game.
Return to 4-2-3-1 system a key moment
Switching to a back three was an important move at the time, and it delivered the desired result even if for a short period, as we regained some defensive solidity and had something to build on.
However, the limitations and vulnerabilities of that system were obvious too, and so to see us back in a more natural and effective option over a longer period in the shape of the 4-2-3-1, was an important decision and possibly a big moment in our season.
Key individuals in the Milan XI looked more comfortable and capable of making a decisive impact in this formation and within their specific roles, and it’s hoped that the performance and win builds trust and solidity in this system again.
Tonali shines in midfield battle
Sandro Tonali produced a commanding performance in the heart of the midfield battle, winning individual duels, playing a key role in our attacking play and generally being an important presence in that area of the pitch.
In conjunction with Ismael Bennacer, the Milan pair were excellent, and again, it’s hoped that this performance and result can be the catalyst for that duo to start dominating and controlling games consistently again.
However, Tonali certainly stood out as he showed all the characteristics that were needed in a game like this through a combination of tenacity and technical quality, and he’ll hopefully keep that going between now and the end of the season.
Leao makes impact in more threatening role
Given how influential he can be for us, an eight-game barren run in which he failed to score was a major reason behind our slump and struggle for form.
In that stretch of games, Rafael Leao also only managed just one assist, and so he was one who struggled in the previous system as he couldn’t have the same level of impact for us, while going through a rough patch.
He turned that around completely on Sunday night though with a brilliant display. Pace, power, intent and quality in front of goal to score twice, he was in full flight again and hopefully he’ll build on that now.
Important blow to Napoli ahead of Champions League tie
With the nature of the competition, the experience in Europe, the occasion itself, our Champions League tie will be a completely different story and it’s separate from this game.
However, to inflict a heavy defeat on Napoli just over a week before the first leg at San Siro can be an important mental blow for them and undoubtedly a way to knock their confidence heading into the showdown.
As they stroll towards the Serie A title and having been so impressive in Europe so far this season too, some had probably already written us off. Our big win this past weekend will have potentially sowed some seeds of doubt and require adjustments on their part, and that will hopefully play into our hands next week.
