Serie A’s Champions League clubs had a mixed week this week as Napoli and Inter played out goal-filled classics, Milan were let down by a controversial red card and Juventus suffered a humiliating defeat in Israel.
Napoli flew the flag for Italy in the Champions League as they impressively secured a place in the round of 16, while Inter claimed an invaluable point in a six-goal rollercoaster against Barcelona.
A debatable decision cost Milan as Chelsea left San Siro victorious and Juventus crumbled to a disastrous loss to lowly Maccabi Haifa.
Here are four things we learned from a dramatic matchday four in the Champions League.
Napoli’s deep squad delivers again
Injuries to key players proved no obstacle for the most captivating team in the Champions League as Napoli booked their place in the knockout phase with two games to spare.
Midfielder André-Frank Zambo Anguissa joined centre-back Amir Rrahmani on the treatment table but it made little difference as the Partenopei swept past an improved Ajax at Stadio Diego Maradona.
Napoli look fully equipped to maintain a double offensive at home and in Europe as they maintained their flawless Champions League record – scoring an incredible total of 17 goals in just four games – to progress to the round of 16. Rrahmani replacement Juan Jesus was at fault as Ajax won a second half penalty but the Brazilian was largely dependable in the Napoli back four.
Luciano Spalletti’s side have enough in reserve to scare the life out of anyone in Europe, illustrated by the goalscoring return of attacker Victor Osimhen in the 4-2 home win.
The electrifying Khvicha Kvaratskhelia again enchanted in a mesmerizing exhibition, as he blasted in a penalty while the in-form duo of Hirving Lozano and Giacomo Raspadori also netted brilliantly constructed goals.
Don’t count out resilient Inter
The Nerazzurri’s revival continued in a gritty display of resolute defending and clinical transition attacking in a breath-taking 3-3 stalemate in the hostile confines of Camp Nou.
Inter were continually forced back as Barcelona monopolized possession but they refused to throw in the towel. They withstood relentless waves of pressure and took the lead twice through Lautaro Martínez and Robin Gosens before Robert Lewandowski rescued Barca with a late double in an enthralling Champions League classic.
Coach Simone Inzaghi was on the brink as his side slumped to a series of deflating defeats in Serie A but found redemption in the Champions League.
The calls for Inzaghi’s dismissal diminished as the Nerazzurri emerged unbeaten from an eventful double header against Barca.
Inter can seal second place in Group C, and progress to the round of 16, by winning against Viktoria Plzeň at home later this month.
Allegri survives catastrophic reversal
The Bianconeri have kept faith in beleaguered coach Massimilliano Allegri after a humiliating two goal defeat away at rank outsiders Maccabi Haifa.
Juventus President Andrea Agnelli stated he was ashamed with the woeful performance but not enough to relieve Allegri of his duties.
The Italian giants disintegrated in what ranked as one of their worst ever European displays. They conceded twice in a spineless first half in which the unheralded Israelis were completely dominant. Juve sank to an unimaginable nadir with Allegri powerless to prevent the upset. Yet the 55-year-old remained in his position.
The Old Lady face the ignominious prospect of finishing bottom of Group H – and European elimination – with daunting ties against section leaders Paris Saint-Germain and Benfica remaining.
Suspect calls continue to blight Milan in Europe
Fiyako Tomori’s controversial red card ruined the Rossoneri’s chances as Chelsea cantered to a two-goal win at San Siro.
Enraged observers pointed to an ongoing spate of questionable decisions as Milan were harshly penalized in the Champions League again.
Card-happy referee Daniel Siebert dismissed English defender Tomori and pointed to the spot for a foul on Chelsea’s Mason Mount after just 18 minutes.
The German official’s decision was met with universal disapproval – Mount himself didn’t think Tomori should have been dismissed – throughout Italy and beyond. Incensed coach Stefano Pioli confronted the referee as the sense of injustice lingered long after the final whistle.
Five other Rossoneri players were yellow carded as the London club took full advantage; Jorginho converted the penalty and former Milan youth product Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang finished off the game with a second.
Milan’s Champions League fate hangs in the balance as they head to Dinamo Zagreb and host RB Salzburg in the final two Group E matches.