A cagey clash is decided by a second-half substitute as Napoli leapfrog Milan in the standings on Matchday 31.
Napoli edged past Milan with a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory in a tense and tactical encounter, thanks to a late goal from Matteo Politano. The result allows the Partenopei to overtake the Rossoneri in the standings, while Inter extend their lead at the top.
The first half offered little in terms of excitement, with both sides locked in a tactical battle that limited chances. Milan’s best opportunity came when Christopher Nkunku fired wide from inside the box after being set up by Youssouf Fofana, while Napoli threatened through a dangerous run from Giovane, denied by a perfectly timed intervention from Strahinja Pavlovic.
After the break, Napoli gradually gained more control of possession, but struggled to create clear-cut chances without a true focal point in attack. The match seemed destined to end goalless until the 79th minute, when Politano made an immediate impact off the bench.
The winger connected with a loose ball inside the box, volleying home with his left foot after a soft cross from Mathías Olivera was poorly cleared by Koni De Winter, leaving Mike Maignan with no chance.
Milan attempted a late push, coming close through Santiago Gimenez, whose header drifted just over the bar. Substitutes Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic added energy, but the Rossoneri failed to find an equalizer.
Napoli’s victory reshuffles the race for the top positions, as they climb above Milan, while Inter move a step closer to securing the Serie A title.
Match Report
Napoli 1-0 Milan
Scorers: 79’ Politano
Napoli (3-4-2-1): Milinkovic-Savic; Juan Jesus (85’ Beukema), Buongiorno, Olivera; Gutierrez, Anguissa, Lobotka, Spinazzola (74’ Politano); De Bruyne (85’ Elmas), McTominay; Giovane (70’ Alisson Santos). Head coach: Conte.
Milan (3-5-2): Maignan; Tomori (82’ Leao), De Winter, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers (62’ Athekame), Fofana (82’ Loftus-Cheek), Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi; Fullkrug (62’ Gimenez), Nkunku (74’ Pulisic). Head coach: Allegri.
Referee: Doveri
Bookings: Buongiorno, Politano
Red cards: None
