AC Milan vs Napoli Analysis | Serie A 2024/25

The highly anticipated clash between AC Milan vs Napoli concluded with Napoli triumphing 2-0 at the San Siro. Although Milan dominated possession, Napoli’s defensive compactness and clinical finishing proved to be too much for the home side. In this blog you will read a comprehensive analysis of how the game unfolded.

First Half: Napoli’s Sharp Finishing vs Milan’s Intensity

The opening moments of the AC Milan vs Napoli game we saw an assertive Milan pushing forward, but it was Napoli who struck first. In the 5th minute, Romelu Lukaku scored after a strong duel with Pavlovic. He outmaneuvered Milan’s defense to put Napoli ahead, courtesy of a clever assist from Anguissa, playing a ball right through the Milan defense.

]Milan attempted to respond quickly. Players like Yunus Musah and Loftus-Cheek showcased their speed and creativity, pressing Napoli’s backline. Napoli’s defense, led by the impressive Mathías Oliveira, held firm. In the 43rd minute, Napoli struck again. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia cut in from the left and released a stunning shot, doubling Napoli’s lead and giving them a crucial advantage just before the half-time whistle.

Tactical Adjustments

As the half progressed, Napoli shifted to a more compact 4-5-1 formation, successfully disrupting Milan’s attacking momentum. Despite Milan’s pressing and attempts to break through, Napoli held firm, relying on their compact defensive organization.

Key Half-Time Stats

As the referee blew the whistle for half-time, here are some key statistics from the first half:

Second Half: Milan’s Persistent Push and Napoli’s Defensive Masterclass

Coming out of the break, Milan looked determined to turn things around. In the 47th minute, Morata headed a cross from Chukwueze into the net, but the goal was ruled offside, keeping the scoreline 0-2. Napoli responded by tightening their defensive structure, dropping into a compact 5-4-1 formation, making it difficult for Milan to create clear chances.

Milan’s Attacking Substitutions

In an effort to break Napoli’s defensive wall, Milan introduced star players Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic in the 62nd minute. These fresh legs brought more urgency, with Leão attempting a powerful shot in the 83rd minute that was saved by Napoli’s keeper. Despite Milan’s best efforts and high possession, they couldn’t find the back of the net.

Napoli, meanwhile, played the second half smartly. In the 77th minute, Neres and Simeone came on, offering fresh attacking options to keep Milan’s defense on their toes. Their approach paid off, as they continued to keep Milan out of the goal, even while Napoli defended deep and relied on counters to maintain control.

Man of the Match: Mathías Oliveira

Napoli’s Mathías Oliveira was pivotal in maintaining the clean sheet and limiting the opponents chances in this edition of the AC Milan vs Napoli game. With 4 clearances, 1 assist, 2/3 accurate long balls, and 10/14 duels won, Oliveira was a rock in Napoli’s defense. His skillful defending, combined with his ability to launch quick counters, made him a standout player today, deserving the Man of the Match title in our opinion.

Final Stats

• Goals: AC Milan 0, Napoli 2
• Expected Goals (xG): Milan 0.65, Napoli 1.14
• Possession: Milan 61%, Napoli 39%
• Shots on Target: Milan 5, Napoli 4
• Final Third Entries: Milan 66, Napoli 29

Conclusion: Napoli’s Strategy Pays Off

In the end, Napoli’s compact, disciplined defense proved more effective than Milan’s high possession. Despite having the ball for most of the game, Milan struggled to convert their attacks into real chances. Napoli played a smart game, allowing Milan possession while defending compactly to reduce their space in the final third. Napoli remains first in the Serie A title race, while AC Milan drops to the 8th place, where European Football comes in danger for next season.

Napoli’s clinical finishing and defensive masterclass sealed a well-earned victory, securing them a crucial win against a persistent Milan side.