Tactical analysis of Napoli 2-0 AC Milan

AC Milan have been defeated within the semi-final of the Supercoppa Italiana, conceding twice whereas failing to pose a lot of a risk in assault. As all the time, our author Rohit has taken a take a look at the tactical points of the sport.

Resting a few the important thing gamers, whereas Gabbia and Leao have been additionally out injured, Allegri didn’t have the very best beginning eleven. However, the Rossoneri had an okay begin to the sport, even when it grew to become clear fairly rapidly that they weren’t going to supply fireworks.

Positive sufficient, we noticed the identical outdated attacking struggles, all of the whereas the failings on the again have been uncovered much more. Our author Rohit Rajeev has analysed the sport from a tactical perspective, highlighting the principle takeaways from the defeat.

Major tactical takeaways

With Jashari enjoying because the deep-sitting midfield, he operated between the central centre-back and the left centre-back, permitting Tomori to push up as a quasi right-back to attempt to goal Spinazzola.

Napoli used a central overload with McTominay sitting again to create a 3+2 build-up construction. This drew Milan’s entrance two and the midfield three, permitting house between Milan’s entrance two strains and the final line of defence.

Milan’s first shot heading in the right direction got here from a set piece. Conte’s males used zonal marking and lined the entrance submit and again submit space, however left a niche within the centre. With Estupinan’s cross in the direction of the entrance submit, Pavlovic exploited vacant house and obtained his shot off, which grew to become a go for Loftus-Cheek.

With Conte utilizing horizontal urgent to squeeze Milan to the facet areas, the Rossoneri – like a correct relationist facet – used the Escadinha to play out of the press.

Basic wingplay from Hojlund and Spinazzola, the place Hojlund would run behind the defender thereby stretching the gamers vertically, gave house for Napoli’s wingers to make runs. Milan and particularly De Winter did not cope with the assault, and Napoli scored.

The second purpose got here when Milan pushed for the equaliser. Sure, De Winter defended Hojlund poorly there, however why was a lot house given to Spinazzola to go to Hojlund? And why was Loftus-Cheek not blocking the passing lane with no different participant in sight to dam?

Lack of touches regardless of possession

When Milan defeated Napoli by two targets to at least one within the league, Pulisic had 34 touches within the 59 minutes he performed within the recreation. Nevertheless, he was in a position to full solely 40 touches in the whole 90 minutes this day trip.

Equally, Loftus-Cheek solely had 40 touches in the whole recreation. For those who advised me the Englishman didn’t play within the recreation, I’d have believed you.

As soon as once more, Conte utilized the identical ways as different Serie A coaches have utilized in opposition to Allegri and even Pioli beforehand. Given Milan the lion’s share of possession and sit again and counter. Milan got here up with no solutions.

As soon as once more Conte utilized the identical ways different Serie A coaches utilized in opposition to Allegri and even Pioli beforehand. Given Milan the Lion’s share of possession and sit again and counter. Milan got here up with no solutions. pic.twitter.com/CKUuK5ZkoF

— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) December 20, 2025