Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud of celebrate after scoring what would be the tie-deciding goal for AC Milan against Napoli in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal. Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images
AC Milan eased past Napoli to book their ticket to the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2007.
Napoli were all over their Serie A rivals in the opening 15 minutes, creating a flurry of half chances, and pinning Milan into their own half.
The home side’s quick start was blunted 20 minutes in however, as Rafael Leão was taken down in the box by Mário Rui, seeing Milan awarded a penalty.
The cool head of Olivier Giroud stepped up to the spot, but he saw his effort dramatically saved by Alex Meret, who guessed where Giroud would place his attempt and managed to parry the shot wide.
Giroud would not spurn his next chance however, as he doubled Milan’s lead on aggregate just before the break after being found by Rafael Leão, who made a superb solo run before picking out the Frenchman.
Napoli continued to try and claw their way back into the tie after the break, but the Azzurri appeared to leave their shooting boots at home on the night.
The hosts looked to have finally found their way back into the game from the penalty spot, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia saw his spot0kick saved by Mike Maignan to all but secure a semifinal berth for Milan.
A stoppage time Victor Osimhen headed strike gave Napoli some life to the hosts, but it was all too-little, too-late from Napoli, as Milan held on until the final whistle.
The Rossoneri will await the winner of Benfica and Inter Milan, but their city rivals hold the advantage heading into Wednesday’s clash San Siro.