The realistic possibility of a Milan derby Champions League (CL) semi-final is there for all to see after both Inter and AC Milan recorded first-leg victories in their respective quarter-final ties.
After seeing their local rivals win in Lisbon last Tuesday, it was the Rossoneri’s turn to take to the pitch, welcoming Luciano Spalletti’s Napoli to San Siro for an all-Italian affair.
With the recent Italian Serie A meeting between the two sides going in the favor of Stefano Pioli’s charges, it was clear Napoli had a psychological block they couldn’t overcome on Wednesday.
Of course, Spalletti wasn’t helped by the injury-enforced absence of his talismanic striker Victor Osimhen, nor was he helped by the red-card earned by midfielder Andre Zambo Anguissa, the Spanish MARCA newspaper reported.
As is so often the case in Champions League ties between teams from the same country, this was a tight affair. Both teams were clearly aware of the danger the other posed.
The early exchanges went the way of the visitors, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia wasting an opportunity from inside the penalty area inside the first minute of play.
Piotr Zielinski then tested the hands of Mike Maignan with a rasping shot from distance, but the French stopper was comfortable, tipping the ball over the crossbar.
AC Milan’s goal eventually came as the first-half was nearing a conclusion.
Ismael Bennacer had made a smart run from midfield into the penalty area and got on the receiving end of a pass.
The Algerian took his chance with a first-time effort, sending the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
It may not have been a spectacular goal, but it was symptomatic of the difference between the teams on the night… AC Milan took their chance whilst Napoli squandered theirs.
The second leg will be a different beast entirely. Osimhen will likely be back and the atmosphere in Naples will be electric, especially given the fans’ adoration of the competition.
With just one goal splitting the two teams, this is the most evenly-poised tie of the round heading into the return fixtures next week.
Source: Oman News Agency