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Napoli claimed a vital 2-1 victory over AC Milan in a high-stakes Serie A clash at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, reigniting their title ambitions.
The win moved Napoli to 64 points, just three behind league leaders Inter Milan, while Milan’s struggles continued as they remained stuck in ninth place.
From the opening whistle, Napoli set the tone, scoring within the first minute when Matteo Politano capitalized on a defensive lapse to put the hosts ahead.
Romelu Lukaku doubled the lead in the 19th minute, netting his 400th career goal with a clinical finish that left Milan’s defense in disarray.
AC Milan had an opportunity to pull one back before halftime when they were awarded a penalty, but Santiago Gimenez’s attempt was saved, summing up their frustrations on the night.
Despite their struggles, Milan showed resilience in the second half, pushing forward in search of a breakthrough.
Their efforts finally paid off in the 84th minute when Luka Jovic found the back of the net, injecting late drama into the contest.
However, Napoli’s defense stood firm in the closing moments, securing a crucial three points.
This victory was particularly significant for Napoli, who had managed just one win in their previous seven league matches.
Coach Antonio Conte praised his team’s determination, highlighting their ability to overcome key absences due to injuries and illness.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and intensity in the final stretch of the season, as Napoli remains in contention for the Serie A title.
For AC Milan, the defeat deepened their woes, marking their 13th league loss of the campaign. Their performance was further hampered by the absence of key players, including Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who underwent emergency appendix surgery before the match, and Malick Thiaw, sidelined with intestinal issues.
Coach Sergio Conceicao described the night as a "black day" for the club, acknowledging the need for improvement as they turn their attention to a crucial Coppa Italia semifinal against Inter Milan.
Napoli’s victory not only strengthens their title hopes but also underlines the fierce competition in Serie A as the season approaches its climax.
With eight matches remaining, every point will be decisive in determining the champion. While Napoli eyes the top spot, Milan must regroup quickly to salvage their season and avoid further setbacks.
