[ 2014-02-09 ]

Napoli 3-1 AC Milan: Essien's debut ends in defeat
Gonzalo Higuain scored twice to help Napoli record
a 3-1 success over AC Milan to inflict a first
defeat upon new Rossoneri boss Clarence Seedorf.

When Adel Taarabt opened the scoring for the
visiting side, it seemed their rejuvenation under
the ex-midfielder was going to continue, but
Gokhan Inler drew Rafael Benitez's men level
before the break.

In the second half Higuain grabbed a double to
ensure the hosts ended a three-match winless
streak.

Napoli, who were beaten by Atalanta in Serie A
last weekend and Roma in semi-final of the Coppa
Italia in midweek, dominated from start to finish
and are now only three points behind second-placed
Roma - who have two games in hand.

Defeat for Milan was their first in the league
since Seedorf took over as coach last month, but
the Dutchman may count his blessings that his side
were not beaten by a more handsome margin.

Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam replaced the
injured Anthony Reveillere and Dries Mertens came
in for Jose Callejon, who started on the bench
along with January signing Henrique.

Michael Essien and Taarabt made their Milan
debuts, while striker Mario Balotelli returned
from suspension as Seedorf made six changes to the
side that drew with Torino last weekend.

Napoli made a bright start, but they were caught
out after only seven minutes when QPR
loaneeTaarabt raced forward before placing a
measured right-foot strike into the far corner of
the net from just outside the area as the home
defence backed off.

The goal was harsh on Benitez's team, but they
were level three minutes later courtesy of a fine
left-foot strike from Inler that took a deflection
and looped over Christian Abbiati.

Milan struggled to cope with Napoli's attacking
threat, and Higuain was inches away from putting
the home side in front when his shot flashed wide
of the far post.

Abbiati was lucky to escape with only a yellow
card after 22 minutes when he rushed out of his
area and upended Mertens after the winger had
raced onto a through-ball and attempted to lob the
veteran goalkeeper.

To add insult to injury, Abbiati kept out the
resulting free-kick from the Belgium
international, before Marek Hamsik's venomous
left-foot volley flashed just wide.

Christian Maggio then hit the post from a tight
angle and Lorenzo Insigne headed just wide as
Milan somehow went in level at the break.

Kaka replaced fellow Brazilian Robinho at
half-time, but his introduction failed to turn the
tide as Napoli maintained the upper hand and
Abbiati could only watch on as Insigne's strike
flashed wide.

It was only a matter of time before the home side
took the lead, and it was former Real Madrid
manHiguain who put them in front when he headed
home an inviting cross from Inler 11 minutes into
the second half.

The Argentina striker was a constant menace and he
ought to have given Napoli breathing space but
missed his kick after evading the vulnerable
Philippe Mexes.

Napoli could have been made to pay for not making
their dominance count but Taarabt's strike was
kept out by Pepe Reina and then Balotelli failed
to capitalise after the Spanish goalkeeper had
totally missed his kick.

Higuain sealed the points with eight minutes left,
though, slotting home from close range after
Callejon picked him out.

Source - Goal

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