Milan won the big match of Serie A Week 24, beating Napoli 1-0 at the San Siro.
The decisive goal scored by Theo Hernandez in the 25th minute of the first half, exploiting a lightning fast restart by the Rossoneri.
Napoli tried to react in the second half, but found a solid and attentive Milan, who came close to doubling the score with Leao and Giroud. The Azzurri had the last chance in the 89th minute, when Lindstrom hit the post with a deflection off Simic.
The result leaves Milan third in the table, -8 behind leaders Inter Milan, while Napoli remain fifth, -7 from fourth place occupied by Atalanta.
The Match
The match started at a high tempo, with both teams trying to impose their play. In the 25th minute the Milan goal arrived: on a corner kick by Napoli, Giroud recovered the ball and launched Leao on the counter-attack. The Portuguese escaped down the left and served Theo Hernandez in the centre, who beat Di Lorenzo and slotted home with his left.
Napoli took the blow and were unable to react, while Milan managed the advantage with confidence. The first half ended 1-0 to the hosts.
In the second half, Mazzarri changed two men, inserting Politano and Lindstrom, gaining in liveliness and creating difficulties for Milan, who, however, defended with order and attacked with danger.
Leao and Giroud came close to doubling the score, while the Azzurri claimed a penalty for contact between Simic and Kjaer, but the referee saw no irregularity. In the 89th minute came the episode that could have changed the game: Lindstrom kicked from outside the box, the ball was deflected by Simic and hit the post.
Milan consolidates third position
The Rossoneri saved by a whisker and managed to take home the three points.
The Rossoneri won an important game by making the most of the only chance they had, with Theo Hernandez confirming that he is a very valuable full-back.
Napoli paid dearly for their lack of incisiveness in attack, despite having the ball possession and the most shots. Milan remained in Inter’s slipstream, while Napoli moved further away from the Champions League zone.
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