In the 3rd minute, Alexis Saelemaekers opened the scoring for AC Milan with an assist from Christian Pulisic. The early lead boosted the home side’s confidence as they maintained pressure. By the 31st minute, Pulisic scored himself with a clever turn and precise finish, extending Milan’s lead to 2-0. During this period, Napoli stars like Miguel Gutierrez and Kevin De Bruyne repeatedly tested goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who performed excellently.
A turning point came in the 53rd minute when Pervis Estupinan committed a foul inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to consult VAR. Having already received a yellow card, the Milan defender was shown a direct red card by referee Daniele Chiffi after review, and Napoli was awarded a penalty. Kevin De Bruyne converted the spot-kick, reducing the deficit to 1-2 at the 60th minute.
Pulisic was the hero for AC Milan in this match (Photo: Club)
From then on, the game completely shifted in Napoli’s favor. The visitors brought on attacking players like David Neres, Noa Lang, and Lorenzo Lucca to increase pressure. They consistently created danger through long-range shots from Eljif Elmas, Noa Lang, and a threatening header by Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Notably, in the 90+1 minute, David Neres’s shot inside the box hit the post, shaking Milan’s goal frame.
Despite being a player down, AC Milan defended resolutely, while Napoli’s intense pressing failed to break through Maignan’s goal again. The match ended with a 2-1 victory for the Rossoneri, but Napoli demonstrated formidable attacking strength and tactical flexibility. This was truly a highlight fixture of the round, confirming both clubs’ status in the Serie A title race.
Starting lineups
AC Milan Coach: Allegri M.
3-5-2
16. Maignan
23. Tomori
46. Gabbia
31. Pavlovic
56. Saelemaekers
19. Fofana
14. Modric
12. Rabiot
2. Estupinan
7. Gimenez
11. Pulisic
19. Hojlund
8. McTominay
11. De Bruyne
99. Anguissa
21. Politano
68. Lobotka
3. Gutierrez
5. Juan Jesus
35. Marianucci
22. Di Lorenzo
1. Meret
Napoli Coach: Conte A.
4-1-4-1
Substitutes
24
Athekame
33
Bartesaghi
5
De Winter
10
Leao
8
Loftus-Cheek
18
Nkunku
27
Odogu
37
Pittarella
4
Ricci
1
Terracciano
69
Ambrosino
31
Beukema
7
David Neres
20
Elmas
25
Ferrante
6
Gilmour
70
Lang
27
Lucca
30
Mazzocchi
32
Milinkovic-Savic
26
Vergara
Coaches
Allegri M.
Conte A.
0.74
Expected goals (xG)
2.85
36%
Possession
64%
6
Total shots
19
3
Shots on target
7
1
Dangerous chances
2
1
Corners
7
83% (297/357)
Passing accuracy
91% (548/601)
1
Yellow cards
0
1
Red cards
0
What time is the live AC Milan vs Napoli match, and on which channel?
Napoli:Meret; Di Lorenzo, Beukema, Jesus, Olivera; Gilmour; Politano, Anguissa, De Bruyne, McTominay; Hojlund.
Match preview AC Milan vs Napoli
AC Milan is gradually returning to winning ways after a shaky start. Despite losing their opening match, the Rossoneri have regained form with three consecutive wins, staying close to the top of the table. Their playstyle is increasingly balanced, combining solid defense with explosive attack, especially at their fortress San Siro, where they usually control the game.
Offensively, speedy and skillful stars provide variety, enabling Milan to break down opponents’ defense through multiple approaches. However, their defense sometimes lapses, leaving gaps vulnerable to quick counterattacks, which could cost them against Napoli.
AC Milan and Napoli competing for top group positions (Photo: Football Italia)
Conversely, Napoli under Antonio Conte continue to show dominant strength with a 16-match unbeaten streak in Serie A. The Partenopei impress not only through tactical discipline but also smart rotation when key players like Romelu Lukaku are absent. New signings Hojlund and Lorenzo Lucca have quickly adapted and scored, maintaining relentless pressure on opponents.
Napoli’s defense is also highly rated for its stability and cohesion, though it can be unsettled by fast attacking plays. Against a potent Milan offense, Conte will likely adopt a tight, cautious strategy to launch sharp counterattacks, a trademark of his coaching style.
With consistent form, high morale, and a well-rounded squad, Napoli is considered slightly favored in this encounter. Nevertheless, San Siro remains a tough fortress, and a confident AC Milan can still cause an upset to secure at least a point.
16. Maignan
23. Tomori
46. Gabbia
31. Pavlovic
56. Saelemaekers
19. Fofana
14. Modric
12. Rabiot
2. Estupinan
7. Gimenez
11. Pulisic
19. Hojlund
8. McTominay
11. De Bruyne
99. Anguissa
21. Politano
68. Lobotka
3. Gutierrez
5. Juan Jesus
35. Marianucci
22. Di Lorenzo
1. Meret
Links
Contact
App
