A positive point for the Rossoneri as they overcame a 1-0 deficit to draw with second-placed, Napoli at the San Paolo.
Napoli hosted Milan in a game with much on the line for both sides. The home side could reclaim top spot with a win while the visitors were full of confidence following their win over Genoa. Lorenzo Insigne put the hosts in the lead with a deflected effort past Gianluigi Donnarumma. Five minutes later, Giacomo Bonaventura equalised to give Milan hope heading into the main break. In the end, it finished 1-1 with chances for Napoli coming thick and fast, which were nullified by a stubborn Milan defensive unit.
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Abate with a Man of the Match display
Ignazio Abate has had a tough season. He has constantly battled for the starting right-back position with Mattia De Sciglio and has fought niggling injuries which have marred his campaign. He had a lot to prove on his return to the starting XI, going up against Lorenzo Insigne who tore apart Milan last time out and also replacing a man who had played his best game in about a year. The Azzurri defender was simply outstanding, getting forward with his blistering pace to support the attack and covering when needed in defence with some important tackles. Other than Insigne’s goal, he was barely sighted for the rest of the game which showed the true credentials of a man who still has exceptional quality in a faltering Milan defence. Performances like these will be definitely alert Antonio Conte come selection time for the Euros in June.
Higuain cold once again
Three games in a row without a goal for the Serie A’s top scorer. Gonzalo Higuain was once again shunned out by a solid defence. Alex and Cristian Zapata barely gave Higuain a chance to breathe and were on his back with every touch of the ball. He struggled to have an impact on the game once again, but is still a quality player. Sarri has relied heavily on Insigne and Hamsik being the providers for the Argentinian forward. However, of late, the moves have become predictable and Higuain has been easily closed down by solid defences. Change is needed when coming up against sides who defend deep like Milan and Juventus (even Villarreal) if they are going to get goals out of the man dominating the golden boot table.
Zapata’s rare solid performance
Cristian Zapata. The Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hyde of the Milan defence. For Colombia, he is a superb defender who has strikers in his back pocket week in and week out. For Milan, it is the total opposite. Of late, when given the chance he has looked unassured with possession and uncomfortable in the heart of defence. Last time, when facing Napoli, Milan lost 4-0 and Zapata was the centre of many defensive mistakes which cost the Rossoneri dearly. Today, with Alessio Romagnoli missing with the flu, he had a point to prove. He was superb in shutting down the influence of Gonzalo Higuain and made seven clearances, four interceptions and crucial tackles in key moments clearly showing his quality.
Bonaventura making waves once again
Is there ever a week when this man isn’t amongst the best? Giacomo Bonaventura has to be the most improved player in Italian football and amongst the most improved in Europe. His form this season has been sublime, with these performances making him an almost certainty for the Euros come June. His work-rate and constant attacking threat was of major use to Milan throughout the game, as was his goal. Every week, he is the most creative and influential player alongside Carlos Bacca in the Milan side. He is proving that he could also be a potential future captain of Milan with his tremendous passion for the club and pushing them towards a spot in the Champions League next season.
https://youtu.be/JQIaQ-gjbrE
Donnarumma’s first poor performance
Gianluigi Donnarumma has been superb this season. At sixteen years old, he has been thrown into a world where he is a boy amongst men but, every week he is playing like a man who has been around for years. Today, however, he struggled. Gigi was slow to react to Insigne’s deflected shot which ended up in the back of his net and was clearly affected by a raucous Napoli crowd. He took his time with goal-kicks and was booked in the second half. Expect this to be a minor hiccup and hopefully Donnarumma will be back to his brilliant best on the weekend against Torino.
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