On Wednesday, Napoli lost the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final tie against AC Milan 0-1 at the San Siro. Though it was the Partenopei strongest performance against the Rossoneri this season, Napoli return home in a negative position. Forza Napoli Press explains why through three takeaways.
Forgot to score
Napoli went in guns blazing from the start. The idea was clear: put Milan under immense pressure and use stand-in striker, Eljif Elmas, for the occasion. It worked in the first twenty minutes, when Napoli created some excellent chances. Milan were unable to cope with all the Neapolitan pressure and conceded opportunities.
The biggest came in the opening minute, when the ball fell to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s feet after some messy Milanese defending. From close range, the Georgian winger targeted the bottom corner at the near post, but his attempt was cleared off the line. In retrospect, he might have targeted the top corner, but the situation required quick thinking and it was a decent effort on goal. Napoli would go on to control the play during the following period, with most of the Azzurri shirts on the Milan half. However, their failure to convert their chances would bite them back eventually.
Milan proved to be dangerous on the counter, first through Rafael Leão, who narrowly missed the bottom corner at the far post, and then Ismaël Bennacer, who found the back of the goal five minutes before the break. Brahim Díaz made a brilliant, quick turn in midfield to set up the attack. Meanwhile, Alex Meret did not cover himself in glory, electing to kick at the ball instead of dive for it. With the power behind the shot, the Napoli goalkeeper was unable to keep it out. Perhaps the goalkeeper at the other end of the pitch, Mike Maignon, would have kept it out.
Project Elmas
Injuries up front probably gave master tactician Luciano Spalletti a couple of headaches in the lead-up to the fixture against Milan. In the end, Spalletti went for Elmas at striker, with both Victor Osimhen and Giovanni Simeone out ith injuries. Giacomo Raspadori was on the bench, but having completed only one full training session ahead of the match, he likely was not fit to start.
Elmas was extremely effective in pressing the Milan defense, but there was no one finish Napoli’s chances. Because The North Macedonian is not a natural striker. Consequently, the attack lacked power and was somewhat predictable. Like against Milan and Lecce, the absence of Victor Osimhen allowed Napoli’s opponent to counter Kvaratskhelia’s usual magic. Spalletti did not have many options, but it certainly impacted the game and showed how much this Napoli team needs Osimhen to return. Not only does the Nigerian contribute goals, he also eases pressure on his teammates, often by providing an option to play the ball long.
It would have been great to see Raspadori come on earlier, but because his fitness was a bit of a mystery, it’s difficult to provide a true assessment of the decision to play Elmas as a false nine for so long.
Tough Task at Maradona
At first glance, a 0-1 loss away from home may not seem so bad. However, Napoli remain short-handed. In addition to Osimhen, who remains in doubt for the return leg, Giovanni Simeone remains sidelined for a while. After Wednesday’s performance, it’s difficult to see Elmas starting again at the Maradona. If Raspadori has improved his fitness, could he be the man for Spalletti? The coach has had his fair share of headaches recently and they’re not over yet.
Napoli did not only lose match; they also lost some key players. André-Frank Zambo Anguissa was shown two yellow cards in the space of a couple minutes after fouling Theo Hernández twice. Match official Istvan Kovacs was fooled by Theo’s theatrics, especially on the second occasion, where Anguissa appeared to touch only the ball. Nevertheless, Anguissa gambled going into the tackle with a high boot and as a result the Cameroonian will miss out on the return because of the red card.
Spalletti will have to deal with another (arguably more important) absence in Naples next week. Kim Min-jae was cautioned for dissent after the official whistled a foul on Alexis Saelemaekers. Though the foul was questionable, Kim’s reaction was excessive. Like with Anguissa, the booking was avoidable. It was a frustrating night for the Partenopei, and they let that frustration get to their heads.
That said, nothing has been lost. Napoli were in control for most of the match and created some great chances, even when playing with ten men. Mike Maignan was fabulous as ever, while Milan were sharp up front. It won’t be easy for Napoli to overturn the result, but the tie is very much up for grabs.
