AC Milan produced a stunning performance as we secured a 4-0 win over Napoli on Sunday, in a much-needed boost heading into a crucial period of the season.
Goals from Rafael Leao (2), Brahim Diaz and Alexis Saelemaekers sealed the comprehensive win in Naples, as we were excellent throughout to pick up three important points.
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Aside from a convincing win over the runaway Serie A leaders away from home, it was a pivotal result in our ongoing battle for a top-four finish this season, while we’ve hopefully also dealt a key setback for our rivals ahead of our Champions League quarter-final tie.
While we’ll look ahead to that after facing Empoli on Friday, this was a superb display from Milan with every player putting in a crucial shift as Stefano Pioli deserves credit too for the game-plan put in place.
AC Milan player ratings vs Napoli:
Mike Maignan, 6.5 – Organised the backline well and commanded his area while making key interventions when needed. We were brilliant defensively, making his night simpler than expected.
Davide Calabria, 7 – Did an excellent job defensively to limit the influence of danger-man Kvaratskhelia, as although he was helped by teammates, he did well on his return to the line-up as we switched back to a four-man defence.
Simon Kjaer, 7 – Used his experience and awareness well in reading danger when needed, whether that was dealing with Simeone or stepping across to help Calabria. An important presence at the back to limit Napoli’s threat.
Fikayo Tomori, 7 – A solid performance for the most part as he was switched on throughout and made some crucial interventions when covering for others. Hopefully the start of a strong run from him on an individual level.
Theo Hernandez, 7 – Resolute in the defensive phase in dealing with Politano and the general threat down that flank, as he was left exposed at times. Continued to push forward when possible too as he added an important attacking dynamic.
Sandro Tonali, 8 – Superb throughout. Consistently won back possession in a battling performance in midfield and showed composure and technical quality in setting us on our way in attack. A crucial influence in a game where we looked comfortable and threatening due to the midfield control.
Ismael Bennacer, 7.5 – Equally as important as Tonali in stopping Napoli from playing, and specifically denying Lobotka the opportunity to dictate tempo and possession. Showed tenacity, great work ethic and quality in possession too.
Brahim Diaz, 8 – Provided the assist for the first goal with an excellent bit of play to create the opening, and then showed great composure to double our lead shortly after. It’s hoped that the injury concern that saw him come off in the second half isn’t anything serious, as this was a decisive display that he will hopefully build on now.
Rade Krunic, 7 – Did his job so well as he was a disruptive presence in midfield while out of possession, and to his credit he was also accurate and efficient with the ball as he helped to keep us ticking over and create chances through patient and measured build-up play.
Rafael Leao, 8.5 – Sensational. Started slow, but showed real quality for his first goal with a dinked finish and then bagged a brace with a superb counter-attacking goal that helped kill the game. Also a real sense that he was working hard for the team too as he was tracking back and putting in a shift off the ball with his pressing and pressure.
Olivier Giroud, 6.5 – Will be disappointed that he didn’t get on the scoresheet as he had a couple of big opportunities. However, he still managed to play an important role for us in leading the line and linking our play together, while also defending from the front well too.
Substitutes:
Alexis Saelemaekers, 7.5 – A brilliant impact off the bench as he produced a superb run and finish to make it 4-0. Almost added to his tally with another quality effort, but a really positive contribution to be decisive and help us seal the win.
Ante Rebic, 6 – Fresh legs and helped us see out the game with his energy and pressing.
Divock Origi, 6 – Similar to Rebic in that they both offered energy and movement in the latter stages to sustain our counter-attacking threat.
Tiemoue Bakayoko, N/A
Charles De Ketelaere, N/A