AC Milan fell to a 2-1 defeat to Napoli at San Siro on Sunday night, with the Rossoneri suffering a first loss of the season in a disappointing setback.
The visitors broke the deadlock through a Matteo Politano penalty just before the hour mark, and while Olivier Giroud drew us level shortly after, Milan conceded again with Giovanni Simeone’s effort proving to be the winning goal.
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With our first defeat of the Serie A season we fall three points adrift of leaders Napoli, and with the international break now ahead to regroup and prepare for a hectic schedule prior to the World Cup, Milan will hope to produce a response and get back to winning ways when we take on Empoli on October 1.
AC Milan player ratings vs Napoli:
Mike Maignan, 6 – Will be frustrated with himself not to have saved the penalty that snuck in underneath him, but couldn’t do much about the second. A safe pair of hands otherwise but not quite as accurate as usual with his distribution.
Davide Calabria, 6 – Defended well and pushed forward when possible as we looked for more attacking intent on the right side with Leao missing on the opposite flank for this game through suspension. Booked in the first half and replaced at half-time.
Simon Kjaer, 6 – Put in a solid shift for the most part, but after receiving a caution in the opening half, he was taken off at the interval by Pioli with the risk of the game becoming more open in the second half leaving him susceptible to a second booking.
Fikayo Tomori, 5 – Level has just dropped slightly in recent games as he will be disappointed he didn’t do better to prevent the second goal with Simeone able to head home unmarked. Needs to get back to his best form after the break.
Theo Hernandez, 6.5 – Continued to battle throughout and offered an attacking outlet, especially with more responsibility on his shoulders with Leao out. Provided the cross for our equaliser in a positive performance.
Ismael Bennacer, 6.5 – Continues to offer energy, tenacity and technical quality in midfield and is showing real consistency across all competitions. Key figure in the side and will hopefully maintain this level.
Sandro Tonali, 6 – Had a tough match-up against Napoli’s physical midfield options, but battled hard throughout and tried to add attacking quality to our play too when in possession.
Alexis Saelemaekers, 6 – Puts in an important defensive shift and did offer a threat down the right side in the first half, but as has often been the issue with him, he lacks the quality with his final ball or attempt on goal to make a decisive impact.
Charles De Ketelaere, 6.5 – Grew into the game more and more as it went on as he settled and showed his quality on the ball. Picked out some important passes to open things up and create opportunities for his teammates to be a threat, and was particularly key in the build-up to our goal.
Rade Krunic, 6.5 – A really positive effort in the circumstances as it was always going to be impossible to replicate or replace what Leao brings to this side. However, he did add quality in his own way with his passing and his work ethic was on point. Good contribution despite the outcome.
Olivier Giroud, 7 – Gave everything once again as he continues to lead the line for us. Scored another goal which makes it five in nine games so far this season and worked tirelessly up top to give us a focal point to work off. Created a huge chance for Kalulu late on which should have bagged him an assist, but his teammate and compatriot couldn’t take advantage.
Substitutes:
Pierre Kalulu, 5 – Defensively no problems as he looked in control, but he missed a sitter which could have secured us a share of the spoils as he sent his close-range effort crashing off the crossbar when he should have buried it.
Sergino Dest, 4.5 – Not a great first appearance at San Siro for him as he looked anxious and summed it up with the foul that saw Napoli awarded a penalty in a key moment in the game.
Brahim Diaz, 6 – A decent impact as his movement and ability to pick up the tempo was important in the latter stages to give us a new dynamic and attacking threat.
Messias Junior, 5 – Fluffed his lines with a good chance and didn’t really bring much quality to our attacking play as we looked for another breakthrough in the latter stages.
Yacine Adli, N/A