Mansion Sports – Christian Pulisic delivered a brilliant performance with one assist for Alexis Saelemaekers and a crucial goal, yet a red card for Pervis Estupiñán opened the door for Napoli to fight back. Despite the numerical disadvantage, AC Milan held on for a tense 2-1 victory.

The Rossoneri are currently enjoying a strong run of form, having secured four consecutive wins across all competitions with a combined tally of nine goals scored and none conceded. 

Rafael Leao marked his return to the squad after six weeks on the sidelines, leaving Ardon Jashari as the only remaining player in the treatment room.

Napoli, meanwhile, arrived as the only Serie A team with a perfect record but were severely hampered by an injury crisis. 

Leonardo Spinazzola, Mathias Olivera, Romelu Lukaku, Alessandro Buongiorno, and Amir Rrahmani were all unavailable, forcing Miguel Gutierrez and Luca Marianucci to make their starting debuts.

A Perfect Start from Pulisic

Milan opened the match in spectacular fashion. Christian Pulisic began his run from deep in his own half, surged down the left flank, evaded Marianucci, and delivered a precise cross that Alexis Saelemaekers finished with ease at the far post.

Napoli Respond, but Milan Remain Dangerous

Napoli pressed forward in search of an equaliser, forcing Mike Maignan into two rapid saves in succession—first from a Gutierrez header, then from a strike by Scott McTominay. 

Although the Partenopei dominated possession, Milan continued to pose a threat on the counterattack.

Pulisic created another opportunity when he set up Youssouf Fofana, who unfortunately sent his effort over the bar. 

Moments later, Milan doubled their advantage as Strahinja Pavlovic made an incisive run on the left and pulled the ball back. Fofana teed it up for Pulisic, who calmly slotted home from eight metres out.

Napoli’s Breakthrough and Estupiñán’s Punishment

Napoli refused to relent, with Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa testing Maignan, while Saelemaekers forced Alex Meret into a save at the other end.

The game’s turning point came shortly after halftime. Estupiñán pulled down Di Lorenzo inside the six-yard box without making an attempt to play the ball. 

Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty and issued a red card. Kevin De Bruyne confidently converted from the spot to reduce the deficit.

The Return of Rafael Leao

A significant moment arrived when Rafael Leao made his long-awaited Serie A return, his first appearance since the Coppa Italia victory over Bari on 17 August. While he had an opportunity on the counterattack, his performance showed signs of rustiness after a lengthy absence.

Milan’s Defense Tested Until the Final Whistle

Napoli launched relentless attacks in search of an equaliser. Di Lorenzo’s header drifted wide, Fikayo Tomori was forced off with a muscle injury, and David Neres nearly struck late with a powerful shot that rattled the crossbar deep into stoppage time.

In the dying moments, Maignan once again proved decisive by tipping away a curling strike from Neres. Despite the relentless pressure and being reduced to 10 men, Milan preserved their narrow lead, extending their impressive early-season momentum.