NAPOLI v AC MILAN: THE DEBRIEFING

A night that deserved a better outcome, especially in terms of the result and points for the table. But with Napoli v AC Milan ending 2-2, after the Rossoneri took a two-goal lead, did leave us with several positive aspects, which we will try to analyze in our Debriefing.

REACTING TO ADVERSITY
The absences of Bennacer, Kjær, Loftus-Cheek and Thiaw for the game also included Kalulu, who was forced off after a few minutes. Despite everything, the team showed character and, in a particularly difficult moment given their previous defeats, were able to react through Giroud's brace to take a two-goal lead. Napoli fought back in the second half but the Rossoneri, who also saw Pulisic and Pellegrino go off injured, gathered their last bit of energy to create two more goalscoring opportunities, with Leão from distance and Calabria's header. The team showed courage and deserved to come away from the Maradona with all three points. Despite a hint of regret for only earning a point and the inevitable disappointment, these are signs that demonstrate the quality and strength of this group.

GOALS AND CHANCES
In Coach Pioli's pre-match press conference, he had spoken a lot about the team's attacking play, with emphasis on getting more players into the penalty area in order to create better conditions to score. The players took the message on board in Naples: Giroud's two goals and several darting runs forward by Reijnders and Calabria highlights we deserved better luck. The team created a lot, especially in the first, and could have finished off a few more of the chances. However, the first half dominance against the reigning champions is certainly a positive starting point from which to face upcoming matches with the same spirit.

PLAYERS BACK MAKING AN IMPACT
Olivier Giroud hadn't felt the joy of scoring since the beginning of September, when he scored from the penalty spot against Roma at the Olimpico, ending his positive four-goal streak in the first three games of the league campaign. However, he hadn't netted from open play in the league since the opening day against Bologna. In Naples, Oli got back to being on the scoresheet, bagging two beautiful goals that ended an unusual drought for someone like him. Helping him out was Christian Pulisic, who had struggled to re-find his form after the international break, but at the Maradona came out of the game as one of the best on show; their experience showed on a difficult night. Hopefully, their goals and assists can now help the team resume its winning path in the matches ahead.

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