Milan dominates Napoli in Champions League

As a guest at San Siro, but against a familiar opponent, Napoli did not hesitate to attack after the opening whistle. Luciano Spalletti's teachers and students want to claim the debt they lost 0-4 10 days ago in Serie A. In fact, with better ball control (52%) and more shots (12 vs 7), the away team could not pass. the secrecy in the Milan defense.

In the first minute, Napoli had the opportunity to open the scoring when goalkeeper Mike Maignan came out, leaving the goal blank. But Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's shot was blocked by Rade Krunic before the line. Not long after, the Georgia striker broke through and hit Simon Kjaer's foot and went wide of the post. In the context of striker Victor Osimhen absent due to injury, Kvaratskhelia is the number one hope in the away team's attack. He was stuffed a lot of balls, playing the role of creating and creating mutations.

Napoli continues to dominate. Piotr Zielinski shoots from long range, forcing Maignan to push the ball over the bar. However, Milan proved equally harmful with counter-attacks. The home team welcomed Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao back into the main squad - two players who were rested over the weekend. Leao's fitness was evident in his runs in the 25th minute counterattack, when he pitched the ball from the middle of the field before hitting the post.

The tug-of-war was broken at the end of the first half. After minutes of pushing up the squad but could not score, Napoli was hit with a "recovery injury". Brahim Diaz escaped the pressing, passed two away players at home before opening the line for Leao. The Portugal international stretched across Bennacer's cross on the left, letting the player shoot diagonally to beat goalkeeper Alex Meret.

With more luck, Milan could have doubled the lead in the first half stoppage time corner. Kjaer's brave header made Meret stagger but the ball hit the crossbar. Napoli immediately had an answer after the break when from Kvaratskhelia's cross, Eljif Elmas headed the ball, forcing Maignan to push the ball over the bar.

The second half continued with dramatic developments. The first was the situation where Napoli demanded a penalty after Theo Hernandez's tackle with new player Hirving Lozano. 15 minutes later, a challenge for the ball in the middle of the field caused Andre Zambo Anguissa to receive a second yellow card for kicking Hernandez in the chest. Although explaining to the referee that he took the initiative to withdraw his legs, the Cameroonian midfielder could not avoid the outcome of leaving the field early.

The advantage over the man helps Milan take control of the game for the rest of the time. But no more tables were scored. The best opportunity belongs to Napoli with Giovanni Di Lorenzo's control, close-range finish. Maignan's reflexes helped Milan escape defeat in this phase.

The 1-0 victory gives Milan the advantage before the second leg at Diego Armando Maradona in the middle of next week. Before that, Napoli hosted Verona, while Milan were Bologna's guest in Serie A.