Brahim Diaz and Rafael Leao starred as Milan surprisingly smashed league leaders Napoli by a score of 4-0. With Pierre Kalulu out, Stefano Pioli chose to dust off his classic 4-2-3-1 formation, which worked wonders as players like Ismael Bennacer and Fikayo Tomori returned to comfortable roles.
Mike Maignan – 7
While Napoli relentlessly progressed the ball into Milan’s defensive third, the Rossoneri backline played well from a reserved position. Every now and then, the title leaders put a shot on target, but Maignan kept them out with ease.
Fikayo Tomori – 8
In the early minutes of the match, Napoli frequently tested Tomori as Giovanni Simeone and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia frequently rotated. However, the defender remained unfazed and was a key component to Milan’s keeping the clean sheet.
Simon Kjaer – 5.5
Kjaer’s one-on-one defending was exceptionally poor in the first half. The speed and skill of Napoli’s front three was clearly too much for the 34-year-old, and it took him a while to get into the rhythm of the game.
Theo Hernandez – 7.5
Throughout the match, Hernandez was locked into a fierce battle with Matteo Politano. For the most part, the Frenchman came out on top, restricting the Italian’s space and effectiveness in the final third.
Davide Calabria – 5.5
At times, the defender struggled with the pace and skill of Mario Rui and Kvaratskhelia. The pair were able to fire off a number of crosses from Calabria’s zone, and they were by far Napoli’s most dangerous players of the night.
Ismael Bennacer – 7
The Algerian did not make waves in the final third, but he put in a typically solid performance on the defensive side of the ball.
Sandro Tonali – 8
While Tonali passed the ball well, his biggest contributions came when the visitors were out of possession. He won several tackles in the midfield and disrupted Napoli’s attempts to dominate time on the ball.
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Rade Krunic – 6
From his position in the central midfield, Krunic put on an exceptionally average showing. The Bosnian did not make any crucial mistakes, but he also failed to stand out.
Rafael Leao – 9
Just 17 minutes into the match, Leao finally ended his goal drought with a simple one-on-one chip over Alex Meret. The quick goal gave the winger confidence, and he later scored Milan’s third with an incredible feint inside the box.
Brahim Diaz – 9.5
The Spaniard had perhaps the best match of his Milan career. Between the lines, he was incredibly active, facilitating Milan’s quick ball movement. In the first half, his wonderful pass released Leao free on goal, and the winger put the visitors in front. Then, just minutes later, Diaz received the ball in the box, made a brilliant cut, and fired the ball into the net to double the score.
Olivier Giroud – 5.5
With Zlatan out due to yet another injury, Giroud returned to the starting lineup. The striker failed to hit the target on his lone chance of the night, putting in a forgettable performance.
The skill from Brahim Díaz, the finish from Rafael Leão. ?
The reigning Serie A champs announce themselves at the Maradona in style. ? pic.twitter.com/V7CA3Xx24q— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) April 2, 2023
Substitutes
Alexis Saelemaekers – 8
The Belgian replaced Brahim on the right wing and instantly made an impact. With his side up by three goals, Saelemaekers dribbled through several Napoli defenders in the box and slotted the ball home.