<p>AC Milan reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since they won the trophy 16 years ago thanks to a first-half goal from Olivier Giroud at Napoli that secured a 1-1 draw and 2-1 aggregate win despite a barrage of pressure on Tuesday.</p>.<p>Napoli battled until the end but could not break down the resilient Milan defence until striker Victor Osimhen equalised three minutes into stoppage time with a bullet header but it was too late as the referee ended the match seconds later.</p>.<p>Seven-time European champions Milan will now face either Inter Milan or Benfica, who meet on Wednesday at the San Siro with the Italian side leading 2-0 from the first leg.</p>.<p>This was the third meeting between Milan and Napoli in 16 days, with Stefano Pioli's visiting side having claimed a 4-0 victory against the runaway Serie A leaders on April 2.</p>.<p>After Milan won the quarter-final first leg 1-0, Napoli pushed for the opening goal from the start as the visitors were forced to defend deep against an attacking onslaught.</p>.<p>Milan struggled in a raucous atmosphere, with loud boos resounding throughout the stadium every time they gained possession, but they held off an aggressive Napoli side for most of the match with a impressive defensive display.</p>.<p>Milan had the chance to take the lead with a penalty after 22 minutes after Mario Rui clattered into Rafael Leao but goalkeeper Alex Meret dived to stop Giroud's low strike.</p>.<p>Meret saved Napoli again when he parried Giroud's attempt inside the box with his foot five minutes later.</p>.<p>As a result of the intense pressure exerted by the hosts, Milan were able to exploit the holes in the home defence and went ahead through Giroud just before the interval.</p>.<p>Rafael Leao sprinted with the ball from his own half past the Napoli rearguard before rolling it across to Giroud who slotted home from close range.</p>.<p>Napoli had a glimmer of hope eight minutes from time when Fikayo Tomori handled the ball inside the box, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's penalty was saved by Mike Maignan.</p>.<p>Osimhen was shackled all night until his added-time header but it came too late for Napoli and their disappointed fans.</p>.<p>Napoli, who were in the last eight for the first time, are in a mini-slump without a victory in their last three matches in all competitions, while a resurgent Milan can look forward to playing in the Champions League semis for the seventh time.</p>
<p>AC Milan reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since they won the trophy 16 years ago thanks to a first-half goal from Olivier Giroud at Napoli that secured a 1-1 draw and 2-1 aggregate win despite a barrage of pressure on Tuesday.</p>.<p>Napoli battled until the end but could not break down the resilient Milan defence until striker Victor Osimhen equalised three minutes into stoppage time with a bullet header but it was too late as the referee ended the match seconds later.</p>.<p>Seven-time European champions Milan will now face either Inter Milan or Benfica, who meet on Wednesday at the San Siro with the Italian side leading 2-0 from the first leg.</p>.<p>This was the third meeting between Milan and Napoli in 16 days, with Stefano Pioli's visiting side having claimed a 4-0 victory against the runaway Serie A leaders on April 2.</p>.<p>After Milan won the quarter-final first leg 1-0, Napoli pushed for the opening goal from the start as the visitors were forced to defend deep against an attacking onslaught.</p>.<p>Milan struggled in a raucous atmosphere, with loud boos resounding throughout the stadium every time they gained possession, but they held off an aggressive Napoli side for most of the match with a impressive defensive display.</p>.<p>Milan had the chance to take the lead with a penalty after 22 minutes after Mario Rui clattered into Rafael Leao but goalkeeper Alex Meret dived to stop Giroud's low strike.</p>.<p>Meret saved Napoli again when he parried Giroud's attempt inside the box with his foot five minutes later.</p>.<p>As a result of the intense pressure exerted by the hosts, Milan were able to exploit the holes in the home defence and went ahead through Giroud just before the interval.</p>.<p>Rafael Leao sprinted with the ball from his own half past the Napoli rearguard before rolling it across to Giroud who slotted home from close range.</p>.<p>Napoli had a glimmer of hope eight minutes from time when Fikayo Tomori handled the ball inside the box, but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's penalty was saved by Mike Maignan.</p>.<p>Osimhen was shackled all night until his added-time header but it came too late for Napoli and their disappointed fans.</p>.<p>Napoli, who were in the last eight for the first time, are in a mini-slump without a victory in their last three matches in all competitions, while a resurgent Milan can look forward to playing in the Champions League semis for the seventh time.</p>