In a crucial Serie A clash, Napoli secured a commanding 2-0 victory over AC Milan at the San Siro, intensifying the pressure on Milan’s manager Paulo Fonseca. The win was orchestrated by goals from Romelu Lukaku and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, dealing a significant blow to Milan’s title aspirations.
The match began with Napoli asserting their dominance early. Lukaku opened the scoring in the fifth minute, capitalizing on a precise pass from Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa. The Belgian striker showcased his strength, easily outmuscling Strahinja Pavlovic before slotting the ball into the bottom corner. This goal marked Lukaku’s 100th Serie A goal contribution in just 137 games.
Despite Milan’s efforts to equalize, with near misses from Yunus Musah and Samuel Chukwueze, Napoli doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time. Kvaratskhelia displayed his individual brilliance, cutting inside from the left and curling a powerful shot into the far corner.
Milan’s struggles were compounded by several absences, including suspensions for key players Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders. Fonseca’s decision to bench Rafael Leao for the second consecutive league game raised eyebrows and will likely face scrutiny in the aftermath of this defeat.
The Rossoneri showed more urgency in the second half, with Alvaro Morata having a goal disallowed for offside. Fonseca introduced Pulisic and Leao in the final 30 minutes in an attempt to salvage the game, but Napoli’s defense held firm.
This result not only strengthens Napoli’s position at the top of the table but also raises questions about Milan’s tactical approach and team selection under Fonseca. As the pressure mounts, the coming weeks will be crucial for the Milan manager to turn things around and regain the confidence of both the team and the fans.
Goals: Lukaku 5 (N), Kvaratskhelia 43 (N)
Milan (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Emerson Royal (62′ Pulisic), Thiaw, Pavlovic, Terracciano; Musah, Fofana; Chukwueze, Loftus-Cheek (87′ Camarda), Okafor (62′ Leao); Morata.
Napoli (4-3-3): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Olivera (90+4′ Olivera); Anguissa, Gilmour (90+4′ Folorunsho), McTominay; Politano (69′ Mazzocchi), Lukaku (77′ Simeone), Kvaratskhelia (77′ Neres).
