Football

Napoli v AC Milan Player Ratings: Giroud Strike Sees Milan Through to UCL Semi-Final

April 18, 2023 10:18 pm
Napoli v AC Milan Player Ratings: Giroud Strike Sees Milan Through to UCL Semi-Final
Napoli could only make it as far as the quarter-finals in last season's UCL campaign. (Photo by Matteo Ciambelli/DeFodi Images) - Photo by Icon sport

  • Olivier Giroud’s goal before half-time handed Milan a two goal advantage over Napoli and ultimately saw the Rossoneri into the semi-final stage of the Champions League.
  •  Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had a chance to get Napoli back into the game from the penalty spot with ten minutes remaining but his penalty was saved by Mike Maignan.
  • Victor Osimhen struck late with a header but it came too late for the Neapolitans and the game ended 1-1.

Napoli Player Ratings

Alex Meret 8/10 – Prevented Milan from going two ahead with an excellent save to deny Giroud from the penalty spot in the first-half. Couldn’t have done much to prevent the goal.

Giovani Di Lorenzo 7/10 – Came into the game more in the second half and provided some decent deliveries from out wide.

Amir Rrahmani 6/10 – Put in a solid performance at the back.

Juan Jesus 6/10 –  Decent in defense alongside his center-back partner.

Mario Rui 6/10 – Left the field of play early due to injury.

Piotr Zielinski 6/10 – Had a half-chance in the second-half, saw a lot of ball in that period too.

Stanislav Lobotka 6/10 – Showed some good distribution in the second-half as Napoli enjoyed more possession.

Tanguy Ndombele 5/10 – Started brightly but was at fault for giving away possession to Napoli in the lead up to their goal.

Matteo Politano 7/10 – The winger was a threat from the off but had to be subbed off early due to injury.

Victor Osimhen 7/10 – Constantly made runs but left with no space by a determined Milan backline. Got the late equalizer as a reward for his efforts.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia 7/10 – Perhaps Napoli’s greatest attacking threat, tried to do too much at times. Had his penalty saved in by Maignan when Napoli needed a goal.

Substitutes:

Hirving Lozano  5/10 – Failed to make any massive impact.

Mathias Olivera 5/10 – Had two good chances in the second period which he failed to capitalize on.

Elif Elmas 5/10 – Had no notable impact on the game.

Leo Skiri Østigård 6/10 – Introduced late on in defense, not enough time to make any impact.

Giacomo Raspadori 6/10 – No notable impact but was introduced late.

AC Milan Player Ratings

Mike Maignan 8/10 – The French International ‘keeper was solid throughout for his side.

Davide Calabria 7/10 – Excellent in defense, repelled Napoli attack after attack down his flank.

Simon Kjaer 7/10 – The center-back was inspired at the back and marked Osimhen excellently.

Fikayo Tomori 7/10 – The defender was determined in keeping Milan out alongside his center-back partner. Did give away the penalty in the second-half though there was little he could do.

Theo Hernandez 7/ 10 – Combined well with Leao on the left, particularly in the second period.

Rade Krunic 7/10 – A decent performance for the Milan player.

Ismael Bennacer 7/10 – Was forced to do a lot defensive work but paid off in the end.

Sandro Tonali 7/10 – Put in a real shift alongside his teammates.

Brahim Diaz 7/10 – Posed a threat on the right wing, provided an outlet for his side.

Olivier Giroud 8/10 – Missed a penalty and another great chance all before 30 minutes but kept his head to net the opener before half-time.

Rafael Leao 9/10 – The Portuguese winger won the away side a penalty and made a goal-saving tackle at the other end in the opening half. Made a stunning run from midfield to assist Giroud and his pace was a constant threat to Napoli throughout.

Substitutes:

Junior Messias – Kept busy by closing down Napoli as they grew into the game late on.

Divock Origi 6/10 – Replaced Giroud, focused on pressing Napoli rather than offensive duties.

Alexis Saelemaekers 6/10 – Not enough time to make a big impact on the game.

 

Napoli v AC Milan Match Summary and Highlights: Giroud Goal Seals Semi-Final Appearance for Milan

ImgMini

At home in front of their fanatical support, Napoli came close in the early stages of the game on several occasions as they played with a phenomenal intensity from the first whistle. However, it would be Milan that would threaten more as the game went on as they looked to cause their opponents trouble on the counter. The impressive Rafael Leao won the visitors a penalty only for Alex Meret to save Giroud’s attempt just after 20 minutes. The ‘keeper would deny Giroud minutes later with his feet as the French striker hit from inside the box.

At the other end Milan’s defense shut out the home side, a trend that continued until the end of the game. Napoli had multiples of their opponents possession for much of the game but failed to convert it into goals.  When the locals were awarded a penalty with less than 10 minutes remaining, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s attempt was saved by Mike Maignan. The well-marshalled Victor Osimhen headed in for Napoli in injury time but the goal came far too late and it was Milan who emerged victorious on a scoreline of 2-0 across the two legs.

Player of the Match: Leao’s Pace and Skill Crucial to Milan Win

ImgMini

The Portuguese winger was undoubtably the visitors danger man versus Napoli. The star’s pace was a constant menace to the Napoli backline and he was taken down just after 20 minutes to win his side a penalty. At the other end, the star made a goal-saving penalty to keep things level soon after. Running from deep, the winger took advantage of sloppy Napoli play and ran around the Napoli defense into the box and then picked out Giroud to add to his side’s advantage from the first leg.

His runs continued to trouble the home side in the second-half and the Neapolitans were no doubt glad to see the back of Leao when he was subbed off late in the game.

Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!