AC Milan produced a display of the finest quality on Sunday evening, easily overcoming Napoli 2-0 at the San Siro.
Goals by an impressive Jeremy Menez and Giacomo Bonaventura went unanswered by Rafa Benitez’s men, who went into this game undefeated in 11 matches.
The Partenopei looked second best in all areas as Filippo Inzaghi masterminded an impressive victory, launching his side back into contention for a Champions League spot.
AC Milan
Diego Lopez – 7 – Vital
String of first half saves made sure result remained positive and looked unbeatable tonight.
Pablo Armero – 6 – Inconsistent
Some defensive issues, seemed slow to react to situations and failed to make any impression going forward in the first half. Much more effective in second period and his cross gave Milan their second goal.
Philippe Mexes – 6.5 – Gladiator
Heart of a lion even if his ability sometimes leaves him marking empty spaces. However, played the perfect match, giving Gonzalo Higuain no space to play, which was key to nullifying the bulk of Napoli’s threat.
Daniele Bonera – 6 – Concentrated
Dealt with the tricky Dries Mertens well and looked at ease at right back although was never really tested.
Adil Rami – 7 – Immaculate
Safe and concentrated, every tackle was timed impeccably. Fans will have been disappointed to see him leave the field though injury and will hope it is not serious.
Andrea Poli – 6.5 – Inexhaustible
Racked up the kilometres in the centre of the field as well as adding something to the attack. A good evening’s work for the central midfielder.
Nigel De Jong – 6.5 – Critical
You only get three things from the Dutchman, tackles, tackles and tackles. Invaluable cog in the AC Milan engine room.
Riccardo Montolivo – 6.5 – Welcome
His quality at the heart of all things Milan has been sorely missed over the last couple of months. Gives his side a range of passing that they just can’t emulate without him.
Jeremy Menez – 7.5 – Magical
Clinical finish and completely unplayable for much of the match. When he is in this kind of mood, he is a magnificent ‘falso nueve’. A man-of-the-match display from the Frenchman.
Giacomo Bonaventura – 7 – Devastating
Assist for Menez goal and a source of creativity throughout. Not always perfect but he certainly reveled in what appeared to be a fluid role for the ex-Atalanta man and thoroughly deserved his goal.
Keisuke Honda – 6 – Quiet
Subdued and seemingly low on confidence despite his side’s impressive display. Still not the player most fans hoped for and suffered the tight marking from Faouzi Ghoulam.
Substitutes
Cristian Zapata (66 mins) – 6
Sulley Muntari (77 mins) – N/A
Michael Essien (86 mins) -N/A
Napoli
Rafael – 6 – Inculpable
Could do little about the goals, dealt with everything else.
Giandomenico Mesto – 5.5 – Suffered
Little impact going forward and was nowhere to be seen for Armero’s cross for the second goal. A night to forget for the Partenopei skipper.
Raul Albiol – 5.5 – Torrid
Struggled to contain the Milan central attacks alongside his team mates. Menez and Bonaventura’s running from deep gave the Spaniard all sorts of difficulties.
Kalidou Koulibaly – 5.5 – Sedate
Burned by Menez for early goal and was unable to get a handle on the Frenchman for the rest of the match. Error strewn for much of the game.
Faouzi Ghoulam – 6 – Sacrificed
Gave little support down the left which probably impacted the ineffective Jose Callejon. But, stuck to Honda like a limpet which stifled Japanese international.
Jorginho – 4.5 – Serie B
If his instructions in the pre-match team talk were to pass the ball over no more than two yards then he carried out his job perfectly. Napoli fans expect more from this talent and unsurprisingly hauled off early in the second half.
David Lopez – 5 – Poor
Alongside Jorginho, had no answer to the Rossoneri’s midfield power. Woeful in all aspects of his play.
Dries Mertens – 5 – Indefensible
Failed dribbles, misplaced passes and made Armero’s evening much more enjoyable than it should have been. Poor effort from the usually tricky Belgian.
Jonathan De Guzman – 6 – Acceptable
Lively, good movement and tried to break into box as often as possible. A decent effort from the Dutch player given the displays of his team mates.
Jose Callejon – 4 – Invisible
Almost a non-paying spectator throughout the match, making Bonera look like a fantastic full back. A night to immediately archive for the Spaniard.
Gonzalo Higuain – 5.5 – Ineffective
Little contribution from the Argentine. Didn’t get much service but failed to inspire his side. One decent effort in the second half which was saved, the sum of his 90 minutes at the San Siro.
Substitutes
Marek Hamisk (61 mins) – 5
Duvan Zapata (72 mins) – 6
Walter Gargano (77 mins) – N/A
