Stefano Pioli's AC Milan finally returned to winning ways after three draws (2 in Serie A and 1 in Coppa Italia against Inter). The red and black faithful were more focused than in previous games and it was Olivier Giroud who fetched 3 crucial points for his club in this exciting league race.
This is the lineup that the former Inter and Fiorentina boss used:
4-2-3-1: Maignan; Calabria, Kalulu, Tomori, Hernández; Bennacer, Tonali; Messias, Kessie, Leão; Giroud
As for Luciano Spalletti, he preferred to use this lineup:
Ospina; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Koulibaly, Mário Rui; Fabián, Lobotka; Politano, Zieliński, Insigne; Osimhen
It was a very physical game right off the bat and the two sides collided on multiple occasions. The defensive duo Fikayo Tomori and Pierre Kalulu worked very hard as they had to contain the threats of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen who is very strong in the air, but also fast and agile with good physicality to hold off defenders.
Napoli had more possession of the ball. However, the midfield and defence of AC Milan were strong in holding out as they remained focused by following the instructions of coach Stefano Pioli.
The first half ended with no goals scored for either side. In the second one, however, Milan started with more determination and clarity to attack and find a goal. Sure enough, in the 49th minute, Olivier Giroud found the goal as he was placed in the right time and place in the penalty area to put the ball past Napoli's Ospina.
Milan held on really well despite all the attempts from Victor Osimhen and his teammates. Alexis Saelemaekers was able to get a clear-cut chance in the dying minutes of the game. He failed to seal the win with a second goal for Stefano Pioli's team as Ospina touched the ball and the Rossoneri were thus awarded a corner kick.
It is a huge feat to win against Napoli in such a difficult stadium and environment. Three points are brought home. Now, it is time focus on the next challenge: Milan facing Empoli on March 12.
