Welcome to the 5 Things recap by theScore's Anthony Lopopolo, which highlights AC Milan's performances over the 2018-19 season. Here, a breakdown of Milan's 2-0 victory over Napoli in the Coppa Italia quarterfinals.

1. Piatek's full debut a night to remember

This could be the start of something special. Even against Kalidou Koulibaly, one of the most robust center-backs in the world, Krzysztof Piatek was undefendable. His goals were things of beauty, curling efforts that had nowhere else to go but the back of the net. Milan didn't create a ton of chances, but with Piatek in the form of his life, they didn't have to. He created his own opportunities and finished them off, something Milan fans haven't see in a long time. Piatek admitted afterward he told Diego Laxalt, the architect of the first goal, to play balls over the top, and it worked. His movement was spot-on; he was difficult to dispossess and even tougher to track.

2. Bakayoko the key cog in midfield

Tiemoue Bakayoko was once again the most important player on the pitch, a tour de force that neutralized Napoli's ferocious attack with alarming regularity. He did a little bit of everything, bumping opponents off the ball, shielding it from preying feet, kick-starting moves, and turning away from danger with complete calmness. Not too long ago, Bakayoko was the cause of great concern, shell-shocked and indecisive on the ball, but the past few months delivered a midfielder of the highest quality. He was an absolute treat to watch Tuesday.

3. Napoli held off scoresheet again

As expected, Napoli dominated possession, particularly in the second half when time was running out. They fired 18 shots to Milan's four, which would lead many to believe the Rossoneri didn't deserve to win. But many of those shots were fired wide, and too few of them were taken inside the penalty area. Milan did a fantastic job keeping Napoli on the perimeter, and although they narrowly escaped some frightening corner kicks, Gennaro Gattuso's side showed a resoluteness that was missing in the first months of the season. Tuesday's clean sheet was Milan's seventh in their last 11 matches.

4. Romagnoli leads by example

Alessio Romagnoli showed all the qualities that made him captain. Beyond clearing the lines and winning duels, the 24-year-old was the picture of calm in the face of the referee, respectfully questioning any iffy calls he saw. He's grown so much over the past year and a half, learning not only how to deal with a barrage of crosses but also how to talk down heated situations. Romagnoli made sure he and his teammates were in the right positions and picked the right times to push up and pressure Napoli's ball carriers. It was proactive defending at its finest.

5. Laxalt a Tasmanian Devil at left-back

Tough to handle all match, Laxalt provided lung-bursting runs on the left flank that destabilized Napoli's defenders. His hustle also neutralized Napoli's effectiveness on that side, allowing few blades of grass for free. Laxalt trapped Kevin Malcuit and Adam Ounas and fought hard for every loose ball. It was arguably his best outing since joining Milan from Genoa last summer and proof he's a decent option to have off the bench.