Napoli falter at Udinese, handing AC Milan the edge in Serie A
Napoli’s streak of three straight league wins came to an abrupt stop after two of their goals were ruled out, and Udinese seized the moment with Jurgen Ekkelenkamp delivering the decisive strike in the 73rd minute.
Injuries are piling up for Napoli, making this feel like a missed opportunity. A victory would have put them atop the table, especially since AC Milan drew 2-2 with Sassuolo earlier in the day.
Heading into this weekend, the two clubs were neck and neck on points, with Milan ahead on goal difference.
Now Milan hold a one-point lead over Napoli, though Inter Milan—sitting in third—could leap to the summit if they win against Genoa later on.
In the Sassuolo match in Milan, French winger Armand Lauriente earned a 77th-minute equalizer after Ismael Kone had given Sassuolo the early advantage.
Milan responded through Davide Bartesaghi, who netted just before the break to level. The 19-year-old defender then added a second after the interval, firing home from a tight angle, only for Lauriente to restore parity for the visitors.
Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri reflected, declaring, “We played a good match.” He added to DAZN, “Some might say we dropped two points, but I believe we earned a point that could prove important.” He cautioned that there’s room to improve, noting, “We’re conceding too many goals, but we’re in the top four, which was our objective at the season’s start.”
Looking ahead, AC Milan, Inter, Bologna, and Napoli will skip league fixtures next weekend to participate in the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Do you think Napoli’s injuries will keep them from challenging for the top spot this season, or can they rebound quickly? And should Milan be wary of maintaining a top-four finish while they prepare for the Saudi Arabian Super Cup? Share your thoughts in the comments.
