March 07, (THEWILL) – Milan upset rival Serie A championship contenders Napoli 1-0 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, with Olivier Giroud scoring the game’s only goal and though their record in Naples was historically dismal, with only one win in their last 14 visits, their rare victory on Sunday sent them back to the top.
Within the first 15 minutes, both teams had penalty appeals waved off, but there were few big flashpoints in an evenly matched first half and after Giroud’s 49th-minute goal, the game heated up, but Milan held on for a vital win that moves them three points ahead of Napoli and two ahead of Inter.
Amir Rrahmani could not find the net for the hosts from within the box, and Milan’s Ismael Bennacer had a penalty appeal turned down after being pushed over by Kalidou Koulibaly inside the opening five minutes.
Soon after, Napoli believed they were wrongfully denied a penalty kick, with Nigeria international Victor Osimhen seemingly tripped from behind by Fikayo Tomori in the Milan box.
Without much to show for either side, the two title contenders went into the break with the goalless stalemate. However, the breakthrough came soon after the restart, when Giroud instinctively turned in Davide Calabria’s errant attempt.
With 15 minutes remaining, Napoli substitute Adam Ounas almost earned the hosts a share of the spoils with a looping left-footed effort that went agonisingly wide.
Another opportunity fell for Osimhen, who challenged Mike Maignan from a close angle, in what proved to be the hosts’ last chance. Napoli were even fortunate not to concede again in stoppage time when Alexis Saelemaekers squandered a great opportunity to double Milan’s lead.
Milan now leads Inter by two points, despite the fact that their opponents have a game in hand. Napoli is still in contention for the title, but they are three points behind Stefano Pioli’s team. Next up for Napoli is a match against Verona, while Milan will face Empoli.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
