AC Milan secured a huge win on Sunday night at San Siro, beating the defending champions Napoli by two goals to one.
Milan started strong with Alexis Saelemaekers scoring in the third minute, then Christian Pulisic turned from provider to scorer with a goal in the 31st minute. Pervis Estupiñán’s red card and Kevin De Bruyne’s penalty made it a nervy finish, but the Rossoneri hung on.
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Smash and grab?
Looking at the general stats, Napoli will be wondering how they didn’t get something from the game. They had almost two-thirds of the ball (63%) and had 2.85 Expected Goals compared to Milan’s 0.74.
The Partenopei also had more big chances (2 to 1), total shots (19 to 6), shots on target (7 to 3) and corners (7 to 1). Despite this, they were unable to salvage anything.
Positive streaks
Milan had not won five consecutive matches across all competitions since March-April 2024 (seven at that time).
Since his Serie A debut (2023-24), Christian Pulisic with the most goal involvements over the last three seasons of the top-flight: 46 (27 goals, 19 assists), surpassing L. Martínez (45).
Pulisic has scored in three consecutive matches for Milan in all competitions for the first time since September 2024 (four consecutive games at that time). He has scored and assisted in two consecutive matches for the first time in his career in the top five European leagues.
Alexis Saelemaekers’ goal at 2:23 is the fastest goal scored by Milan in Serie A since Hernández’s against Venezia on 14 September 2024 at 01:29; against Napoli, it is the fastest goal scored by the Rossoneri since Inzaghi’s on 28 October 2009 at 2:00.
Among players who have scored 100% of their goals from open play since the start of last season, only Reijnders has scored more (10/10) than Alexis Saelemaekers (8/8, like Leão).
Last April, in the match against Fiorentina, was the last time that Mike Maignan made at least six saves in a Serie A match (seven in that case).
Rafael Leão played a Serie A match 133 days after his last one, on 18 May against Roma.
Meanwhile, Luka Modric in Serie A so far this season:
🥇 1st – Completed passes (300)
🥇 1st – Completed passes in opposition half (169)
🥇 1st – Line-breaking Passes (46)
🥇 1st – Possession won (31)
🥇 1st – Interceptions (10)
It is going to be an exciting year, especially as Modric, Rabiot and Pulisic get more time together on the pitch. All three play with their eyes up all of the time, unlocking opportunities all over the pitch and setting incredible examples.
It is invaluable for Fofana, Ricci and Jashari to be mentored by Modric and Rabiot.
Who is the centerback Milan can bring in to do the same for our starting trio and reserves in the back?
Good question. If Milan can’t buy one, maybe build one? The defense is doing well so far…and maybe Modric’s influence can filter to the defense as well. Maybe give Gabbia some room to grow into a leader?
Thiago Silva
We need a CB and a CF of-Allegri’s-choices, give the coach whom he demands if it is feasible to bring them in. We have all seen how good Rabiot is, that means we must listen to Allegri’s demand and try to fulfill it for the sake of the team.
Yeah admittedly I never thought Rabiot was so effective from watching him at Juve…..
But he’s been impressive. I’ll admit I was wrong about him. He’s perfect in this role.
Excellent leadership too.
These three beasts are undoubtedly the core of our team.
Talented, technical, and 1000% all in for the win in every match.
Pulisic, Modric, Rabiot.
If these three stay healthy, we can go a long way this year.
Some people have been saying for year we need a DM. In fact they’ve been saying that every team has to have a DM. Well… I assume we can all agree on the fact that Modric is no DM. Yet…
🥇 1st – Possession won (31)
🥇 1st – Interceptions (10)
Aren’t those stats for DMs? You don’t need a dedicated DM when everyone does their part. Milan still doesn’t have a DM yet the defense and midfield has been fixed. Who would have guessed? Well, I did. 😀
*for years