AC Milan were not at their free-flowing best against a Napoli side that are struggling to find an identity, but they did just about enough to get the win on Sunday night at San Siro.
This morning’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport (seen below) recalls that Milan had to defend deep at the end and soak up pressure, relying on some luck as well, but in the end they beat Napoli and are now one point behind Juve who play Udinese tonight.
Napoli have not changed as they looked confused, in search of identity, not very dangerous and now they have sunk to ninth place. Kvara does what he can but seems to have lost his magic, while Mazzarri using four alternating systems in 90 minutes is a sign of desperation rather than variety.
For Milan, 52 points at this stage is a haul surpassed only twice in the three-point era. From the Inter-Juve scudetto fight the discussion shifts to the duel for second place Juve-Milan. It will be less exciting, but it is the best possible achievement unless Inzaghi’s men collapse.
The paper adds that Milan were decidedly superior to Napoli in terms of tactical organisation – after Spalletti’s work dissipated – and in terms of reading the moments of the game.
However, in addition to Theo’s great goal, we remember Leao’s inaccuracies in front of goal as he continues to struggle with scoring. Leao is immense joy for football, but sometimes the pain is unbearable.
Pioli’s true champion remains, but now he must put the goal in his sights, perhaps starting with training. Otherwise his great beauty will remain confined to the limbo of the games.
The assist he provided was a masterpiece though. Theo’s run as a midfielder leaves Lobotka in the dust, but the Slovakian cannot be (only) the culprit because nobody moved to intervene when the away side were clearly in danger.
Late on Jan-Carlo Simic nearly scored an own-goal and Mike Maignan saved a shot from Di Lorenzo as Milan defended with five men, relying on Leao’s counter-attacks. It might not have been the most convincing, but the outcome is what counts.
The European variable is about to come into play as Milan will face Rennes in the Europa League play-off. Failing to get into the the round of 16 would not go down well, and potential progress perhaps depends on winning at home.
