In a Serie A encounter that defied expectations, AC Milan delivered a compelling 2-1 victory over league leaders Napoli at San Siro on September 28, 2025. The match, a masterclass in tactical execution and individual brilliance, saw Christian Pulisic emerge as the undisputed hero, shattering Napoli`s perfect start to the season.
The Stage Was Set: Milan`s Momentum Meets Napoli`s Perfection
Before kickoff, the narrative seemed clear. AC Milan, the Rossoneri, arrived riding a wave of confidence, boasting four consecutive wins across all competitions, nine goals scored, and a clean sheet in each. Their momentum was palpable. Conversely, Napoli, the Partenopei, held the enviable distinction of being the sole team in Serie A with an unblemished record. However, their perfection was fragile, shadowed by a significant injury crisis that forced debutants Miguel Gutierrez and Luca Marianucci into the starting lineup. Rafael Leao`s return to the Milan bench after a six-week layoff hinted at potential late-game firepower.
Pulisic`s Early Spark Ignites Milan`s Attack
The game began with an assertive declaration from the hosts. Just three minutes in, Christian Pulisic, channeling his “Captain America” moniker, launched a blistering run from deep within his own half. Shrugging off Marianucci`s challenge with a casual shrug, he carved open Napoli`s defense, delivering a precise cross for Alexis Saelemaekers, who had the simplest of tasks to tap it in at the far post. It was a goal born of pure individual drive and clinical execution – a testament to Milan`s newfound swagger.
Napoli, despite their possession dominance, found themselves reeling. While they regrouped and pressed forward, creating moments of danger, Milan`s goalkeeper, Mike Maignan, proved an impenetrable barrier. A remarkable double save within ten seconds, first from a Gutierrez header and then a Scott McTominay angled drive, underscored his importance. Napoli’s prolonged periods of possession often felt like shadow boxing against Milan’s compact and dangerous counter-attacks. Pulisic, not content with merely assisting, later played a vital role in setting up Youssouf Fofana, who, perhaps suffering from an excess of enthusiasm, blasted his shot over the bar.
Doubling Down: Pulisic Caps His Stellar Performance
The Rossoneri doubled their advantage with a move that highlighted both their attacking prowess and Napoli`s defensive vulnerabilities. Strahinja Pavlovic navigated through some rather “polite” challenges down the left flank before pulling the ball back. Fofana, redeeming his earlier miss, laid it off perfectly for Pulisic, who swept home from eight yards with the composure of a seasoned assassin. The roar from San Siro was deafening; Milan was flying, and their American maestro was conducting the symphony.
Despite Milan`s lead, Napoli continued to probe. Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa tested Maignan, but their efforts either lacked precision or were expertly thwarted by Milan`s vigilant defense and formidable goalkeeper. Napoli`s dominance in possession was undeniable, yet it often felt like a blunt instrument against Milan’s sharp counter-attacks.
Red Card Drama and a Tense Finish
The second half ushered in a dramatic shift. A moment of desperation, or perhaps momentary lapse of judgment, from Milan`s Pervis Estupinan saw him drag Giovanni Di Lorenzo back in the six-yard box. The referee, after a VAR review, brandished a straight red card, reducing Milan to ten men and awarding Napoli a penalty. Kevin De Bruyne, cool as ever, sent Maignan the wrong way, converting from the spot and injecting a fresh jolt of tension into the match.
With a man disadvantage and Napoli pressing with renewed vigor, the atmosphere grew electric. Milan lost defender Fikayo Tomori to injury, further testing their depth. Rafael Leao, making his Serie A season debut, attempted to spark a counter-attack but couldn`t quite capitalize. Napoli intensified their siege, with David Neres unleashing a screamer that clipped the far post and another long-range curler parried away by the ever-alert Maignan in stoppage time. It was a late barrage that would have seen many teams crumble.
Milan`s Ten-Man Resilience: A Statement Victory
Yet, the ten men of Milan held firm. Their defense, a mix of grit and tactical discipline, weathered the storm. The final whistle brought not just a victory, but a statement: AC Milan, with their blend of tactical acumen and individual brilliance from players like Pulisic, are genuine contenders. They broke Napoli`s perfect record, inflicting a significant psychological blow on the league leaders and announcing their own formidable intentions in the Serie A title race.
For Napoli, the defeat, exacerbated by injuries, serves as a harsh reality check. Their dominance in possession didn`t translate into enough goals, and they`ll need to regroup quickly. For Milan, this hard-fought win, characterized by Pulisic`s inspirational performance and a collective display of resilience, will undoubtedly fuel their ambitions as the Serie A season progresses.
