Pulisic runs the show at San Siro with a goal and an assist as Milan takes down Napoli to join Roma at the top of Serie A.
Milan delivered a major statement at San Siro, defeating Napoli 2-1 in a clash between two Scudetto contenders. The victory lifts the Rossoneri to 12 points, drawing level with Napoli and Roma at the top of the Serie A standings.
Christian Pulisic was the star of the night, terrorizing Napoli’s defense and playing a decisive role in both Milan goals. The Rossoneri struck early, taking the lead in the 3rd minute when Pulisic beat Marianucci down the wing and set up Alexis Saelemaekers for a simple tap-in.
Napoli struggled to find their rhythm, with Kevin De Bruyne neutralized in midfield and Rasmus Hojlund completely shut down by Milan’s backline. In the 31st minute, Milan doubled their lead when Pavlovic surged forward, combining with Fofana before Pulisic slotted home to make it 2-0.
The second half saw a dramatic twist. After a Maignan save on McTominay, Estupinan was penalized for handling the ball in the box and sent off following a VAR review. De Bruyne converted the resulting penalty in the 60th minute to cut the deficit to 2-1 and reignite Napoli’s hopes.
Despite heavy late pressure from Napoli, including a stunning save from Maignan on Neres, Milan held firm to claim a vital victory.
Match Report
Scorers:
- 3′ Saelemaekers (MIL)
- 31′ Pulisic (MIL)
- 60′ (P) De Bruyne (NAP)
MILAN (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori (79′ De Winter), Gabbia, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers (69′ Athekame), Fofana (79′ Loftus-Cheek), Modric, Rabiot, Estupinan; Gimenez (69′ Leao), Pulisic (59′ Bartesaghi).
Coach: Allegri
NAPOLI (4-1-4-1): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Marianucci, Juan Jesus, Gutierrez; Lobotka (93′ Gilmour); Politano (78′ Lang), Anguissa, De Bruyne (73′ Elmas), McTominay (73′ Neres); Hojlund (73′ Lucca).
Coach: Conte
Referee: Chiffi
Bookings: Rabiot (MIL)
Dismissals: 57′ Estupinan (MIL)
