Data sheet:
Milan presented Maignan in goal with Calabria, Kjaer, Tomori and Theo in defense, and a midfield trio of Krunic, Tonali and Brahim Diaz supported by Bennacer, Saelemaekers and Leao in attack along with Giroud. Napoli lined up Mert in goal, backed by Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani and Kim Min-jae at center back, with Mario Rui at left back and Anguissa, Lobotka and Zielinski in midfield. On the flanks, Lozano and Kvaratskhelia supported by Elmas formed the forward line, with Politano appearing later. The match confirmed a 1-0 scoreline with Bennacer delivering the winning goal in the 40th minute.
The referee was Kovacs from Romania. Milan coach Stefano Pioli entered the game in the 44th minute, Bennacer received a yellow in the 61st, and Saelemaekers was booked in the 94th. Calabri a also picked up a yellow after the whistle. From Napoli, Anguissa, Zielinski, Di Lorenzo, Min-jae and Rrahmani were cautioned, while Anguissa was sent off for a second booking. The game took place at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, in the north of the country.
The data shows Milan managed the result despite Napoli pressing throughout. This was the first leg of the Champions League quarter finals, and the atmosphere was charged as both sides sought momentum before the return fixture in Naples.
Five losses during regular play this season had left Napoli chasing consistency while Milan kept their focus on European ambitions. Even with Serie A taking a back seat for Napoli, the quarterfinals of Europe’s premier competition added urgency for the Partenopei. Osimhen endured a tough evening and did not enjoy the same support as in the first leg, a sign that Milan had tightened their defense and sharpened their counterattack.
On the day of kickoff, Milan stuck with the same eleven from the earlier meeting. Pioli appeared to be seeking a steady approach, while Napoli pressed from the opening minutes. The defense tightened quickly as Krunic himself corrected a miscue by closing Kvaratskhelia’s early shot. The Georgian forward, who had been a constant threat, found fewer gaps as the match wore on.
During the match there was a memorable moment when Brahim Diaz delivered a standout performance, pulling off a spectacular sprint, a precise assist and a decisive contribution that helped Milan extend their advantage. The crowd responded with a roar as the hosts built momentum. Leao also played a pivotal role, repeatedly testing the Napoli defense and helping Milan threaten in transition.
Di Lorenzo remained active and created chances for his side, while Kvaratskhelia generated Napoli’s most dangerous moments with quick dribbles and low crosses that tested Maignan. Napoli found moments of potency, but Milan kept their shape and discipline, ensuring the team remained compact and dangerous on the break. The late fouls and stoppages did little to dampen Milan’s resolve as they held on for the victory and set the tone for the second leg. Milan demonstrated European maturity, maintaining composure and exploiting Napoli’s vulnerabilities when it mattered most.
The second half saw Napoli attempt a renewed push after the break. Di Lorenzo continued to drive forward, and Elmas engaged in several attacking duels with Maignan, who produced a series of crucial saves. Anguissa’s discipline in defense and his attention to the break allowed Napoli to keep pressing, but Milan’s defense held firm. In the end, Milan earned a hard-fought win that gave them the advantage heading into the return leg, where Napoli would aim to overturn the deficit.