Milan-Napoli: Rossoneri’s turning point or just an illusion? | OneFootball

Milan's success against Napoli opens new perspectives for the 2025/26 Serie A. A year ago, the roles were reversed: Napoli overwhelmed the Rossoneri at San Siro and began its tricolor ride.

Milan-Napoli, Rossoneri turning point or simple illusion? Allegri convinces, Conte remains the favorite

Today, however, Allegri lifts a depressed environment and restores enthusiasm to the Milanese square. But talking about a “new Napoli” in Rossoneri version is perhaps premature.

A year ago Napoli dominated, today Milan is reborn

On October 29, 2024, Conte's Napoli won at San Siro 2-0 with signatures from Lukaku and Kvaratskhelia. Twelve months later, with roles reversed, Milan finds redemption with a success that reignites Scudetto dreams. The similarities are there, but the differences are even more marked: if Napoli then strolled in the second half, yesterday's challenge was fought until the 90th minute, with a Premier League pace and continuous show.

Allegri has already changed Milan

The coach's hand is evident. Modric embodies experience and quality, Saelemaekers has been relaunched to become a favorite, while Pulisic confirms continuity and spirit of sacrifice. The team showed compactness even after Estupiñan's expulsion, an episode that did not compromise the victory. Leao still needs to be reintegrated, but the foundation is solid and the environment regains confidence.

Napoli does not come out downsized

For the Azzurri, the defeat weighs little. Absences in defense affected the performance, as did the lack of a reference center-forward, lost even before the season began. Conte knows that his group remains the most complete in Serie A and the leadership remains intact. However, some cracks can be seen: De Bruyne's discontent at the substitution is a signal that should not be underestimated.

A more balanced Scudetto race

The championship remains wide open: Milan, Napoli and Roma share the top spot, with Juventus one point behind and Inter three lengths away. No runaway, no early sentence: the short ranking allows everyone to correct defects and chase with ambition.

Gasperini and the new Roma

The surprise at the top is Gasperini's Roma. Only one goal conceded in six matches testifies to the team's solidity, even if the victory over Verona has highlighted limits still to be overcome. The recovery of key men like Pellegrini and Dovbyk, the latter strongly wanted by the coach, is crucial. The coach's hand is already evident, and the Giallorossi are beginning to truly believe in the fight for the top.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.