Ammon News - Matteo Politano struck late to give defending champions Napoli a hard-fought 1-0 home ​win over AC Milan in Serie ‌A on Monday, lifting them to second in the standings.

It marked a fifth straight victory for ​Napoli, who moved to 65 points, seven ​behind leaders Inter Milan after their ⁠5-2 win over AS Roma on Sunday. ​Milan are third with 63 points.

Both sides struggled ​to break down well-organised defences in a largely cagey encounter.

The breakthrough came in the closing stages when ​Mathias Olivera's cross from the left ​was only partially cleared by Koni De Winter and ‌Napoli ⁠substitute Politano fired in a left-footed volley from a tight angle.

Milan pushed for an equaliser but Santiago Gimenez was unable to keep ​his header ​down as ⁠it sailed over, summing up a frustrating night for the visitors.

"We ​conceded very few chances, so credit ​to ⁠them," Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri told reporters. "We were set defensively when we allowed the ⁠goal, ​and we need to be ​a bit quicker when taking our chances."

Reuters