An inspired performance from Christian Pulisic helped 10-man AC Milan secure a tense 2-1 victory over Napoli at the San Siro on Sunday, a result that sends them to the top of the Serie A standings on goal difference.
Pulisic scored one goal and created another for Alexis Saelemaekers to give Milan a commanding halftime lead. However, a red card for defender Pervis Estupiñán and a converted penalty from Kevin De Bruyne set up a dramatic final 30 minutes, with Milan ultimately holding on to inflict Napoli’s first defeat of the season.
The victory moves Milan level with Napoli and AS Roma on 12 points, claiming first place by the narrowest of margins.
“There will be other games like this of suffering,” Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri told DAZN. “But playing them with this spirit, it will be easier to bring them home.”
Milan seized the initiative just three minutes into the match. Pulisic embarked on a blistering run from his own half, evading a challenge before delivering a perfect cross for Saelemaekers to tap in at the back post.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 31st minute through a swift counter-attack. A driving run from Strahinja Pavlović and a deft flick from Youssouf Fofana set up Pulisic, whose deflected strike wrong-footed goalkeeper Alex Meret and found the back of the net.
The complexion of the game changed dramatically around the hour mark when Estupiñán was sent off for a foul on Giovanni Di Lorenzo inside the penalty area. De Bruyne stepped up and calmly converted the resulting spot-kick to give Napoli a lifeline.
Despite being a man down, Milan defended resolutely to withstand a late barrage from the visitors. Napoli came agonisingly close to an equaliser in stoppage time when a shot from David Neres clipped the outside of the post, before Milan keeper Mike Maignan produced a superb save to deny Neres moments later.
Napoli, who were forced to field a makeshift defence due to an injury crisis, were left to lament their slow start.
“It’s a pity we conceded a goal right away. Starting here at San Siro immediately behind is difficult,” Napoli coach Antonio Conte told DAZN.
The win marks Milan’s fourth consecutive league victory as they continue their strong start to the domestic campaign.
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