Napoli 2-2 AC Milan
Match report
MILAN – In one of the most delicate games of the season, Milan showed what they’re made of coming back from two goals down in one of the toughest pitches to play on in Italy.
Allegri put out a 4-3-3 formation with Bojan up front and El Shaarawy and Boateng by his sides. Milan started with a convinced look about them but after only 4 minutes found themselves a goal down. A left footed shot from Inler and Abbiati was beaten and Napoli a goal to the good. The Rossoneri nevertheless continued in control of the game. A chance for the equalizer came on 10’ with Boateng found Montolivo in the middle and but the player couldn’t make the most of a good chance. El Shaarawy and Nocerino both tried shots from distance but no luck. On the half hour mark things got worse with a shot from Insigne taking a deflection off Acerbi and once again Abbiati was powerless in goal. After that Insigne turned provider for Cavani but Mexes was there to save the day. Milan ended the half well and on 38’ Boateng crossed and El Shaarawy was close to bringing his side back into the game. Only a few minutes later however, he made amends. This time the ball came from De Sciglio and El Shaarawy’s admirable right foot brought Milan back into the match.
Milan continued to push forward in the second half. Nocerino had a shot over the bar almost and then 2 more chances in quick succession. Bojan and then Boateng came close to getting the game on an even keel. On 19’, Abbiati saved his side’s skin with a save from Cavani. On 22’, it was Hamsik who should have done better after an acrobatic pass from Cavani. The biggest chance of the evening came on 27 when Bojan had only De Sanctis to beat but his dribbling allowed the defense to get back in line and clear. Another great save by Abbiati from Cavani and on 37’, Milan got their deserved equalizer. Robinho who had just come on the pitch, put it ona plate for El Shaarawy who scored his 10th Serie A goal. With both teams looking for the win in the closing stages, Milan came close to making it 3-2 but the point earned at the San Paolo is worth far more than the single point it gives the team in the league standings. A point that they can start off from.
THE NUMBERS
NAPOLI-MILAN 2-2
GOALS: Inler (N) on 4′, Insigne (N) on 30′, El Shaarawy (M) on 44’f.h. and on 37’s.h.
