Napoli-Milan 1-0: Politano proves decisive, Allegri acknowledges mistakes
AC Milan left the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium with a 1-0 defeat, undone by a goal from Matteo Politano, a true nemesis for the Rossoneri with seven career goals against them. It was a tight, closely contested match decided by a single moment of quality that rewarded Napoli, a team that continues to boast a near-perfect home record this season.
Allegri’s post-match reaction
After the final whistle, Massimiliano Allegri was honest in his assessment: “Perhaps I should have made substitutions earlier to try and break the game open,” the Milan coach admitted. He also pointed out that this was the kind of fixture where the first team to make a mistake would lose — and unfortunately, his side paid the price for a cautious approach that failed to truly trouble Napoli’s defence.
Just one shot on target in 95 minutes
The most striking statistic from the match concerns shots on target: across 95 minutes, including added time, Milan managed just one shot on goal — a tame effort from Youssouf Fofana in the first half that was comfortably saved. Every other attempt sailed wide or over the bar, a figure that underlines the need for improvement in the attacking phase.
Five attackers deployed, but none made the difference
Allegri tried to shake things up by using five different attacking players throughout the match: Christopher Nkunku, Niclas Fullkrug, Santiago Gimenez, Christian Pulisic, and Rafael Leão. All bring different qualities and skill sets, yet none managed to create real danger against Napoli’s rearguard. It is an area the Livorno-born coach will need to work on intensively in the coming weeks.
Napoli’s fortress remains unbreached at home
It should be noted that losing at the Maradona is hardly a disgrace. Antonio Conte’s Napoli boast an outstanding home record with no defeats on their own pitch in this 2025-2026 Serie A campaign. Milan faced a solid and clinical opponent, capable of punishing the one real chance they were given.
Focus shifts to Udinese: San Siro demands a response
There is no time for regrets. The schedule calls for an immediate reaction: Udinese visit San Siro next, a physically imposing side that has historically given Milan plenty of problems. The Friulani are known for setting up defensive walls and making life difficult for anyone, so Milan will need to arrive with a more proactive and determined attitude to break through.
Table and Champions League race
With this third defeat in the last six matchdays, Milan must now focus firmly on the most concrete objective: qualifying for next season’s Champions League. The chasing pack — Juventus, Roma, and Como — are not letting up, and every slip-up risks complicating matters. Confidence in the squad and in Allegri’s work remains strong: the Rossoneri have all the quality needed to secure their goal and finish the season on a high note.
