AC Milan Beat Napoli To Go Top Of Serie A After Pulisic’s Inspired Performance

AC Milan Beat Napoli To Go Top Of Serie A

AC Milan claimed a vital 2-1 victory over Napoli at San Siro to move top of the Serie A standings. The Rossoneri produced a strong first-half display before holding on with ten men in a tense second half.

Christian Pulisic was the star of the night, providing a goal and an assist to inspire Milan’s win. Despite a red card for Pervis Estupiñán and a converted penalty from Kevin De Bruyne, the home side showed determination to secure three crucial points.

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Milan Take Early Control

Milan started with confidence and immediately set the tempo of the game. The breakthrough came when Alexis Saelemaekers scored the opening goal, set up by Pulisic’s intelligent assist. The American winger continued to cause problems for Napoli with his direct running and creative vision.

Not long before halftime, Pulisic doubled Milan’s lead with a well-taken finish. The goal capped off a dominant first-half display in which the hosts looked sharper and more clinical in the final third. Napoli, missing key defenders through injury, struggled to cope with the pressure.

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Turning Point: Red Card and Penalty

The match turned dramatically in the second half. Pervis Estupiñán was shown a red card for a foul on Giovanni Di Lorenzo inside the box, handing Napoli a penalty. Kevin De Bruyne stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to make it 2-1.

With Milan reduced to ten men, Napoli gained momentum. They pushed forward in search of an equaliser, testing the Rossoneri defence with waves of attacks. The home crowd, however, rallied behind their side as Milan dug in to protect their lead.

Maignan Holds Firm

Goalkeeper Mike Maignan emerged as one of Milan’s key figures after the dismissal. The French international produced several important saves to deny Napoli and maintain Milan’s advantage. His composure and leadership at the back were vital in the closing stages as the visitors grew increasingly desperate.

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Napoli had chances through De Bruyne and their attacking line, but Milan’s defensive organisation and Maignan’s interventions ensured the score remained 2-1. The resilience shown by the hosts highlighted their growing maturity under pressure.

Standout Performances

Christian Pulisic was the standout player, directly involved in both Milan goals with an assist and a strike of his own. His creativity and sharp finishing underlined his growing influence in the side.

Mike Maignan’s contribution in goal was equally decisive, especially during the final half-hour when Milan played with ten men. Alexis Saelemaekers took his chance well for the opener, while Kevin De Bruyne demonstrated his class for Napoli by converting the penalty.

Pervis Estupiñán’s red card was the low point for Milan, forcing them into a defensive battle. For Napoli, the defeat exposed defensive vulnerabilities and underlined the impact of missing key personnel.

Tactical Analysis

Milan’s fast start and clinical finishing in the first half put them in control. Manager Massimiliano Allegri’s side pressed high and used Pulisic’s pace to stretch the Napoli backline. The tactical switch to a more compact defensive shape after the red card was necessary, and the team executed it well.

Napoli tried to exploit the extra space in the second half, but their lack of cutting edge in front of goal cost them. Their defensive frailties were clear, as injuries forced them into adjustments they struggled to manage.

What the Result Means

The victory takes AC Milan to the top of Serie A, edging ahead on goal difference. It is a statement win for a side showing both attacking quality and defensive resilience. The result gives Allegri’s team confidence in their title ambitions.

For Napoli, this was their first major setback of the season. The loss drops them out of top spot and raises questions about depth in their defence. Manager Rudi Garcia will need to regroup his squad quickly to keep pace in the title race.

AC Milan’s 2-1 win over Napoli was a showcase of determination, resilience, and individual brilliance. Pulisic’s inspired display, Saelemaekers’ opener, and Maignan’s crucial saves were the defining features of a memorable night at San Siro.

Despite going down to ten men, Milan held on to secure a result that could prove vital in the Serie A title race. Napoli, on the other hand, will reflect on missed opportunities and defensive concerns as they look to bounce back.