Milan Player Ratings vs Napoli: Pulisic Unstoppable, Modric Unplayable | OneFootball

Milan eked out a confidence-boosting 2-1 home win over direct Serie A title rivals Napoli in Sunday’s mouth-watering clash at San Siro. Two unanswered first-half goals propelled the Rossoneri to their fourth consecutive league victory.

The game couldn’t have got off to a better start for Milan as Alexis Saelemaekers opened the scoring after just three minutes. However, Christian Pulisic did most of the heavy lifting. His speed and tenacity helped the home side get an early opener.

After wasting two decent chances to find an equalizer, Napoli were nearly punished midway through the first half. Yet, Youssouf Fofana fluffed his lines in a one-on-one situation against Alex Meret.

Unfazed by the Frenchman’s miss, Milan continued to attack and managed to double their lead in the 21st minute. Pulisic latched onto Fofana’s layoff and slammed the ball past Meret to make it 2-0.

The start of the second half was a nightmare for Milan. Pervis Estupinan received a straight red card for a mindless tackle on Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Furthermore, referee Daniele Chiffi pointed to the spot. Kevin De Bruyne was relentless, bringing Napoli back into the match.

However, 10-man Milan stood their ground for the rest of the game to avenge last season’s league double and ascend the Serie A throne. Without further ado, let’s look at our player ratings.

Milan (3-5-2)

Mike Maignan – 9/10

Mike produced magic tonight, making six impressive saves to help Milan put three points on the board. De Bruyne’s well-taken penalty gave him no chance whatsoever.

Strahinja Pavlovic – 8/10

In addition to a commendable defensive performance, the Serbian center-back did his part in Pulisic’s goal, storming past several Napoli defenders before finding Fofana in the box.

Matteo Gabbia – 7/10

Although the Italian didn’t produce any flashy moments, he held his ground against Lorenzo Lucca, making it difficult for the towering striker to dominate in the air.

Fikayo Tomori – 7/10

Like Gabbia, the former Chelsea star held up his end of the bargain, timing his tackles to perfection, except that one time he got booked. Lacked composure on the ball.

Pervis Estupinan – 2/10

His blackout in that 53rd minute could’ve cost Milan dearly. It was not the first time he was reckless tonight, let alone this season.

Adrien Rabiot – 7/10

Despite picking up a needless, late booking, the French midfielder look solid this evening, keeping his passes clean and simple without taking risks.

Luka Modric – 9/10

There are not enough superlatives to describe the brilliance of the Croatian veteran. His world-class plays helped Milan weather the storm after falling a man down.

Youssouf Fofana – 8/10

With Modric assuming the playmaking duties, the ex-Monaco ace had all the freedom to go forward, which led to Milan’s second and nearly produced another goal earlier.

Alexis Saelemaekers – 7/10

In the right place at the right time to slot home Pulisic’s cross on the back post, the versatile winger scored an all-important opener. However, he looked shaky in possession.

Christian Pulisic – 10/10

Another match-winning showing from the USMNT forward, whose goal and an assist catapulted Milan to a potentially season-defining victory.

Substitutions

Davide Bartesaghi – 6/10

Zachary Athekame – 6/10

Rafael Leao – 5/10