By Our Man in Naples
ANTONIO CONTE’S Napoli reasserted their status as the kings of the south last night, as a piece of late magic from Matteo Politano secured a 1-0 win over AC Milan, blowing the race for second place wide open.
In a cagey affair at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, it was the introduction of substitute Politano that finally broke the deadlock in the 79th minute. The Italian winger, surprisingly left on the bench by Conte, proved his worth with a sensational left-footed volley that left Mike Maignan helpless and sent the Neapolitan faithful into a frenzy.
The KDB Factor
While Politano grabbed the headlines, the game was dictated by the return of Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian maestro, recently back from injury, operated in a “free-role” that AC Milan’s midfield—anchored by the veteran Luka Modric—struggled to contain. De Bruyne nearly opened the scoring himself in the second half, forcing a world-class save from Maignan at his near post.
Milan’s Missed Chances
Massimiliano Allegri’s side will head back to San Siro wondering how they left empty-handed. Christopher Nkunku was a constant threat on the counter, and Niclas Fullkrug’s physical presence forced Alessandro Buongiorno into a desperate yellow-card challenge early on.
The Rossoneri’s best chance fell to substitute Santiago Gimenez in the dying embers of the match, but his glancing header whistled inches over the crossbar.
Scudetto Stakes
The result sees Napoli leapfrog Milan into second place, narrowing the gap to league leaders Inter to seven points. For Milan, a second away defeat of the season feels like a knockout blow to their slim title hopes, leaving them nine points off the pace with only seven games remaining.
As the final whistle blew, Conte embraced De Bruyne on the touchline—a clear sign that with their stars back in alignment, Napoli aren’t ready to hand over their crown just yet.
MATCH STATS
NAPOLI (1): Politano 79′
AC MILAN (0)
Star Man: Matteo Politano (Napoli)
Attendance: 54,726
