Serie A 2022/23: How Stefano Pioli Masterminded A Memorable 4-0 Victory In Naples Against The In-form Champions Elect – Tactical Analysis

With four goals scored and no goals conceded, AC Milan smoothly defeated Napoli in the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

It was exciting to witness the future generation of players in the Milan team together to surprise the league leaders Napoli at every turn of the game.

Brahim Diaz, a young player for Real Madrid, and Rafael Leao, a phenomenon for Portugal, were both excellent throughout.

Luciano Spalletti opted to make just one and only one significant alteration to his team.

Napoli were without the Nigerian international and goal-scoring stalwart Victor Osimhen who was sidelined with an injury.

After all, he is a striker, so it seemed logical that they failed to score, but allowing four goals on their own ground was horrific.

In this tactical analysis, well primarily examine why Napolis offence was not so effective after the impeccable season.

Both managers tactics will be dissected in this analysis.

AC Milan v Napoli Lineups

Spaletti reverted to the tried-and-tested 4-3-3 formation hes been utilising well all season.

More than two-thirds of the time, he has favoured the formation.

Alex Meret began in goal, with Kim Min-Jae and Amir Rrahmani manning the middle back positions.

Mário Rui and Giovanni Di Lorenzo, the captain, played left and right fullback, respectively.

Stanislav Lobotka began as the lone pivot in a consistent midfield three with Zambo Anguissa and Piotr Zielinski slightly above.

In the absence of the injured Osimhen, Giovanni Simeone started for the 18th time in Serie A this season, with the Georgian marvel Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Matteo Politano on the wings.

Stefano Pioli opted for the 4-2-3-1 formation, which he likes because of its balance and its emphasis on aggressive play.

This season, Pioli has favoured it 59% of the time, making it the most-used formation by a wider margin than any other.

The start