Sergino Dest had a nightmare Serie A debut, conceding a penalty moments after entering the match in Milan’s 1-2 defeat to Napoli. Led by exceptional play on the backline and in goal, the visitors turned in a wonderful performance. In particular, Kim Min-jae and Amir Rrahmani stood out, making several late defensive plays to keep their side in front.
Milan
Mike Maignan – 6
The goalkeeper probably should have done better on Napoli’s converted penalty, but it was by no means a poor outing for Frenchman.
Davide Calabria – 8
Tasked with man-marking Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Calabria was at the top of his game. He won several hard challenges on the midfielder and allowed him practically no time and space to use his creative abilities. Even though he was taken off at halftime, the Milan captain turned in one of his best performances of the season.
Simon Kjaer – 5
Playing in just his fourth match of the season, Kjaer was unconvincing. In the first half, he made a few clumsy challenges and received a yellow card early on. Ultimately, Stefano Pioli removed him at halftime in favor of Pierre Kalulu.
Fikayo Tomori – 7
As usual, Tomori was in-form, playing a more advanced role while Kjaer and, later, Kalulu stayed deep. His physicality was unmatched, and he frequently had to stay home while Hernandez pushed up the pitch.
Theo Hernandez – 9
Throughout the match, Hernandez provided top service from the left wing. With Krunic playing a more interior role, the left-back filled the creative void left by Rafael Leao, sparking several chances for Milan and ultimately creating the equalizer in the second half.
Ismael Bennacer – 7
The holding midfielder had a nice performance, but it was not enough to turn the tide for Milan. He made a few defensive plays and did well distributing the ball in the loss.
Sandro Tonali – 6
Much like Bennacer, Tonali was decent, but not spectacular. He played well in front of the defenders but did not add much to the attack.
Charles De Ketelaere – 5
Once again, CDK showed flashes of his skill, but he was largely unable to link Giroud with the rest of the midfield. Brahim eventually came on for the Belgian in the second half after his quiet display.
Rade Krunic – 7.5
Finally returning from injury, Krunic took over the suspended Leao’s position as the left winger. However, instead of playing in the physical and tough-nosed manner Milan fans are accustomed to, the Bosnian dazzled with several moments of skill and was by far the most creative Milan player in the first half.
Alexis Saelemaekers – 5
After his brilliant midweek Champions League performance, Saelemaekers started the match hot, but he quickly cooled off. More than once, he struggled to complete relatively straightforward passes, which hindered the Milan attack.
Olivier Giroud – 7.5
Despite trying to do too much at times, Giroud once again came up with a crucial goal. He managed several dangerous shots, eventually converting a first-time attempt in the second half to level the score.
Substitutes
Pierre Kalulu – 6
After Kjaer earned a yellow card for challenges on Kvaratskhelia, Kalulu replaced the Dane at the break.
Sergino Dest – 3
Like Kalulu, Dest made his debut at halftime, replacing Calabria despite his incredible performance. However, the decision came back to haunt the Rossoneri, as the American almost immediately gave away a penalty for a poor challenge on Kvaratskhelia. As the half wore on, he seemed lost on offense, giving away possession several times.
Yacine Adli – N/A
Brahim Diaz – N/A
Junior Messias – N/A
Kim Min-Jae in the 96th minute to save the match for Napoli. And the passion he showed afterwards!
Korean Monster ???
— Jason (Hanshin) Lee (@Jasons_JaysHub) September 18, 2022
Napoli
Alex Meret – 8.5
With the Milan offense pushing relentlessly up the pitch, Meret made a number of impressive saves, keeping his side in the match. In one instance, Giroud fired a shot from just six yards out, but the goalkeeper’s incredible reflexes kept the scoreline level.
Mario Rui – 8
The left-back frequently found himself with time and space in Milan’s half, but often with a noticeable lack of support. Eventually, he whipped in a wonderful cross to Giovanni Simeone, and the striker headed the ball home to give Napoli the lead.
Kim Min-jae – 8
Kim was a key component of Napoli’s first half shutout. The South Korean was in fine form, using his pace and physicality well against Giroud and Saelemaekers, who were not quick enough to consistently find space in the final third.
Amir Rrahmani – 7
Alongside Kim, Rrahmani was also in solid form. He did not make as many noticeable plays as his fellow centre-back, but he put in a decent shift.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 7
Though Napoli struggled to convert its chances, Di Lorenzo was critical to his side’s build-up play. He took care of the ball when in possession and had little trouble finding space on the right wing.
Andre-Frank Anguissa – 7
From the defensive midfield, Anguissa put in a quality shift, protecting the space in front of Napoli’s central defenders and creating several counter attacks.
Stanislov Lobotka – 6
Lobotka played a deeper, facilitating role, and helped the Napoli offense forward with composure and intelligent passing decisions.
Matteo Politano – 6
From the right wing, Politano had a fairly quiet match, struggling to do much with the ball. He was rather fortunate to convert the penalty in the second half, with his poor attempt sneaking under Maignan.
Piotr Zielenski – 5.5
Zielenski was also not at his best, but he was certainly not awful. He managed two shots, but he was unable to put either of them on target.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – 7
While he struggled with a lack of space in the first half, the Georgian drew three yellow cards while forcing Milan to resort to a physical style of defending. At the start of the second half, his intelligent play ultimately drew a penalty, allowing Napoli to take the lead.
Giacomo Raspadori – 5
With Victor Osimhen sidelined with an injury, the young Italian started as Napoli’s number nine. However, Raspadori was unable to greatly influence proceedings, as the strength and physicality of Kjaer and Tomori was too much to overcome.
Substitutes
Giovanni Simeone – 7.5
After replacing Raspadori, the forward made an instant impact, scoring a nice header to pull the Azzurri in front 2-1.