Politano proves decisive as substitute to help Napoli defeat AC Milan and surge into second spot

Aware that likely only the victor here might still challenge the frontrunners Inter, both teams adopted a cautious approach at the outset in this clash between the top contenders outside the leaders.

The initial scare arose when Vanja Milinkovic-Savic dashed forward yet failed to connect with a Milan free kick, though Strahinja Pavlovic could only direct his header wide of the upright.

Leonardo Spinazzola then posed a danger for Napoli with his signature inward move and right footed effort, leaving Mike Maignan frozen as the ball drifted just beyond the upper corner.

That marked the extent of the excitement in a rather dull opening period, yet the action became much more open following the interval.

Napoli dominated the positive moments, with Giovane's fierce drive deflected wide by Maignan, while Milan struggled to create chances at the opposite end.

Bringing on Alisson Santos seemed hopeful for the home side, and his impact indirectly led to Frank Anguissa's header being comfortably gathered by the Milan keeper.

However, it was a different Napoli replacement who ultimately tipped the scales. Merely five minutes into his appearance, Politano capitalised on Koni De Winter's feeble headed clearance near the far post and unleashed a fierce volley into the bottom corner.

Only at that point did Milan's forwards awaken, although attempts by their substitutes, Santiago Gimenez and Rafael Leao, fell short of rescuing them from a pointless journey to Campania.

This outcome positions Napoli seven points adrift of Inter, despite having no further meetings with the Nerazzurri across the remaining seven fixtures.

Napoli now overtake Milan, who suffer just their second away loss this campaign and forfeit the opportunity to achieve a Serie A double against Napoli for the first time since the 2010/11 season.