AC Milan will take a 1-0 lead to Naples next week after beating Napoli 1-0 in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal first leg at San Siro on Wednesday. Ismael Bennacer scored the only goal of the game after 40 minutes as Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa saw red for two second half bookings to make life tough for Luciano Spalletti's Serie A leaders.
Stefano Pioli's men rode out a tricky opening period which saw Napoli test Mike Maignan and go close to the Milan goal on a few occasions, but the Rossoneri turned the tide midway through the first half. Brahim Diaz brilliantly turned his man to create a lethal counter attack for Milan which Bennacer thumped home from a Rafael Leao assist.
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It could have been two just before the break as Simon Kjaer saw a powerful header come back off the crossbar as the San Siro was rocking. They might not have added a second goal on home soil, but Milan did win two other key battles as Anguissa saw red for two quickfire bookings and then Kim Min-Jae was cautioned which means he is suspended for the return leg.
Ultimately, Napoli will have been relieved to have not fallen further behind in the tie and still have Victor Osimhen's return to hope for ahead of their return to Naples. However, early chances could have been taken and Spalletti and his side will rue those wasted openings -- notably Kvicha Kvaratskhelia having an effort cleared off the line in the opening minutes.