AC Milan – Napoli: Milan Edge Out A Blunt Napoli (1-0)
Napoli were effective up until the final third but the Osimhen-shaped missing piece of their jigsaw was too obvious to ignore. Whereas AC Milan's use of Rafael Leão in a rest-attack role paid dividends in the winning goal.
Tactical analysis and match report by Nick Smoothy.
It was an all-Italian affair in this Champions League last eight tie. Seven-times European champions AC Milan hosted first-time quarter finalists Napoli at the San Siro.
These two sides faced each other domestically ten days prior. On that day, Milan won 4-0 away against the runaway league leaders. But whilst Napoli recovered in their following Serie A match, beating Lecce 2-1 away, Milan failed to maintain any momentum by drawing 0-0 with Empoli at home.
Inconsistency has plagued the Rossoneri’s title defense. But with the recent victory, the chance to progress to a Champions League semi-final for the first-time in sixteen years, and five fresh players coming into the team, the home side had plenty to be optimistic about.
Stefano Pioli named the same starting eleven which beat Napoli earlier this month. Back in came Simon Kjær, Rade Krunić, Brahim Díaz, Rafael Leão and Olivier Giroud, to join Mike Maignan, Davide Calabria, Fikayo Tomori, Theo Hernández, Sandro Tonali and Ismaël Bennacer.
Luciano Spalletti continues to make-do without Victor Osimhen. Adding further insult to injury, Giovanni Simeone was unavailable and Giacomo Raspadori was only deemed fit enough for the bench. With limited alternatives, Elif Elmas was selected to play the . . .
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