Napoli triumphs over Milan, piles pressure on Inter

Napoli secured a crucial home win over AC Milan at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, moving three points behind league leaders, Inter Milan.

The Naples’ side won 2-1, with goals from Matteo Politano and Romelu Lukaku helping to close the gap on Inter.

Inter had earlier moved six points clear, following their victory over Udinese earlier in the day. However, Antonio Conte’s boys ensured they kept their Scudetto hopes alive.

Napoli had a bright start and were ahead just after a minute into the game. Winger Matteo Politano collected Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s pass, held off Strahinja Pavlovic before firing past Mike Maignan.

Romelu Lukaku then doubled the lead in the 19th minute, beating Maignan after being found by Billy Gilmour’s clever pass.

AC Milan came back stronger in the second half, searching for the break. Substitute Santiago Gimenez had a chance but fired just wide moments after being introduced into the action.

Milan were handed a lifeline in the 69th minute when Theo Hernandez was fouled inside the box by Philip Billing. However, Gimenez once again missed his chance as his weak penalty was brilliantly saved by Alex Meret.

The deadlock was eventually broken by Milan in the 83rd minute, as Sergio Conceicao’s side reduced the deficit through Luka Jovic. Emerging from the bench, the Serbian raced into the area and tucked home Hernandez’s delivery into the net.

Milan tried to salvage a point, throwing everything at Napoli, but were unable to find a way through, as the hosts took the victory.

Meanwhile, Meret’s penalty save made it his third in four spot-kicks he has faced this season.

Milan, however, have now missed four penalties in Serie A this season, the joint-most of any team in Europe’s top five leagues (Freiburg).