Milan Player Ratings vs Napoli: Jovic Comes Late to the Party | OneFootball

Sergio Conceicao is running out of time at Milan as Napoli beat his side 2-1 in Sunday’s mouth-watering Serie A showdown on the south coast. More importantly, Milan’s pursuit of a fifth consecutive top-five finish took a potentially fatal blow.

Milan headed into the international break on the back of back-to-back comebacks against Monza and Como. However, a 2-0 halftime deficit at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona proved too tall of an order for the Rossoneri this evening.

The game was off to a disastrous start as Matteo Politano fired Napoli in front with just over a minute on the clock. Milan failed to recover from a starting shock, with Antonio Conte’s side continuing to dominate the game in its early stages.

Romelu Lukaku made it 2-0 in the 19th minute after being left completely unmarked inside the penalty area. It was an unpardonable error from the Milan backline, which would return to haunt them at the final whistle. Conceicao’s halftime talk saw the visitors show fighting spirit in the second half.

However, Santiago Gimenez’s missed penalty in the 69th minute killed Milan’s last hope of turning the match on its head. Second-half substitute Luka Jovic made up for a nervy end, but it was too little too late for Milan as they finished this round nine points below fourth-placed Bologna.

Without further ado, let’s look at our Milan ratings.

Milan (4-2-3-1)

Mike Maignan – 5.5

It’s not like he could’ve done much for both Napoli’s goals, but the fact remains he conceded twice from three shots on target, summing up his frustrating night.

Kyle Walker – 6

Despite his typically rock-solid defensive performance, the English right-back was nowhere to be seen in attack, especially when Milan needed depth on the flank.

Matteo Gabbia – 5.5

He completely lost track of Lukaku for Napoli’s second – an unforgivable mistake that decided the game after only 19 minutes.

Strahinja Pavlovic – 6

What was he doing in that match-defining second minute? Late to clear the ball into touch or close down Politano, he was the culprit for Napoli’s early opener.

Theo Hernandez – 7

Not even a vintage ‘Theo’ showing could’ve helped Milan avoid defeat in Naples. Drew a penalty and set Jovic up on a silver platter to prove he’s still among the best in business when he wants to play.

Warren Bondo – 5

Conceicao’s decision to play him from the start cost Milan dearly. Clueless on and off the ball, the former Monza midfielder stayed in the dressing room at halftime.

Youssouf Fofana – 5.5

Another sub-standard display from the Frenchman! His decision-making wasn’t equal to the task, though he made up for his uneventful game with a commendable defensive effort.

Joao Felix – 5.5

Filling Rafael Leao’s shoes isn’t a small task, and the Chelsea loanee had to learn it the hard way. Wasteful is perhaps the best way to describe his performance.

Tijjani Reijnders – 6

Milan’s best player this season had a rough night, especially in the first half, seeing his influence on the game limited by a lack of adequate support in the front third.

Christian Pulisic – 5

One of the USMNT star’s worst nights in the Milan shirt! Mathias Olivera had his number all game.

Tammy Abraham – 4.5

Failed to seize a rare Serie A start as Alessandro Buongiorno kept him quiet and away from goal.

Substitutes

Rafael Leao – 6.5

Santiago Gimenez – 4