WED, APRIL. 19 2023-theGBJournal |It was all drama as the game ended 1-1 apiece. with both teams missing penalties Victor Osimhen’s header cancelled out Olivier Giroud’s goal.
Olivier Giroud and Napoli star man Khvicha Kvaratskhelia missed penalties in a game that had plenty to offer.
Milan equal the record for most semi-final appearances by Italian clubs as they reach their first semi-final since 2007.
Napoli would ask themselves what went wrong in a tie they were expected to progress.
Super Mike to the rescue
Signing Mike Maignan for €15 million is regarded as one of the best deals Milan have concluded.
He has been a perfect. His saves, composure, his ability to read gems, and his ball-playing activity make him one of the best in the world.
And he gets better with every game.
It’s thanks to his saves that Napoli won’t be in the next round. He has proven himself to be a reliable stick.
Rafael Leao is ready for the next chapter.
The first goal for Milan was all created by one man; his creativity, runs, and strength seem to be getting better, despite reassurances to stay in Milan. And lots of clubs are following him, Leao might be ready for the big step.
He is becoming a fearless complete player, and Milan would find it hard to replace him if he were gone.
In the three games against Napoli that Milan won, it used the same formation set up that neutralized Napoli’s game plan.
Milan absorbed all pressure and focus on structured counter attacks.
The game plan was executed perfectly. Napoli were on the front foot, but for Milan, discipline and composure were key to dismantling Napoli.
Rafael Leo’s game by numbers vs. Napoli:
34 touches
7 duels won
7 touches in the opp. box
4 successful take-ons
3x possession won
2 fouls won
1 big chance was created.
1 penalty won
1 assist
Napoli attack failed to click, and Frank Zambo Anguissa and Kim Min-jae’s importance becomes more pronounced.
Napoli were arguably playing without two of their best players, and it showed as the defense lacked composure without its leader.
While Ndombele Anguissa’s replacement had a good game, he lost the ball that led to Milan’s goal and didn’t offer the tenacity and link-up play that Napoli Anguissa is known for.
Napoli’s attack failed to score back-to-back and questions would be asked on how one of Europe’s high-scoring lethal teams is struggling to score.
Napoli need to go back to the drawing board as they look at the missed chances they had to ensure their qualification.
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