Reijnders reflects on tale of two halves in Napoli defeat: “It was easy for them to get away” | OneFootball

Tijjani Reijnders hopes that AC Milan can take the positives from their second half performance against Napoli into Wednesday’s derby against Inter.

Milan fell to their ninth defeat of the 2024-25 Serie A season at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday night, eventually losing 2-1 against title-chasing Napoli.

Goals from Matteo Politano and Romelu Lukaku in the first half put the hosts in the ideal position at half-time and also gave Milan a mountain to climb, as they so often have had under Sergio Conceicao.

Santiago Gimenez missed a penalty off the bench, meaning that Luka Jovic’s late goal ended up being just a consolation. The result means that Milan remain in ninth position, and fourth spot is now nine points away.

Reijnders spoke to Milan TV to give his thoughts on the game at the Maradona and also to look ahead to the Coppa Italia semi-finals. MilanNews relayed his comments.

What do you take from the game?

“How we pressed Napoli, it was easy for them to get away in the build-up, to create chances. In the second half we showed less fear with the ball as well because we were more calm when we had the ball and we created some opportunities. Unfortunately we couldn’t score more.”

How important is the Coppa Italia semi-final?

“It’s very important because it’s a chance for another trophy this season. We have to recover well and keep our heads up. How difficult it is in this situation we are in now, but we have to have confidence, especially in that game.”