In-form AC Milan make sure Napoli's troubles continue
AC Milan continued their pursuit of Serie A leaders Inter Milan on Sunday by beating Napoli 1-0 and dealing another huge blow to the champions.
Theo Hernandez scored the only goal of an engrossing game in the 25th minute at the San Siro, rolling home the winner after collecting a brilliant Rafael Leao pass.
Milan stay eight points behind local rival Inter in third after stretching their unbeaten league streak to nine matches, of which they have won seven.
While Inter may prove too tough to catch Milan's recent good form has solidified their spot in the division's Champions League spots.
Stefano Pioli's side are 13 points ahead of fifth-placed Bologna – who thumped Lecce 4-0 and took fifth place from Roma – and are almost certain to grab a spot in Europe's to club competition.
The same cannot be said for Napoli as Walter Mazzarri's side are languishing in ninth after their eighth defeat of a dismal title defence.
Napoli are a whopping 25 points behind Inter with the pair having played 23 matches, but more importantly are at serious risk of missing out on the Champions League.
Southern Italy's biggest club, who romped to the Scudetto last term, have lost more league matches than they have won since Mazzarri took over from sacked Rudi Garcia in November.
Napoli were far from second best on Sunday and went close to taking the lead early on when Giovanni Simeone shot a great chance just wide.
And Milan substitute Jan-Carlo Simic almost handed Napoli a point in the final minute when he diverted Jesper Lindstrom's cross onto the post.
But Napoli created little with the majority of possession and are left with their upcoming Champions League tie with Barcelona as an unlikely source of possible glory in an otherwise disastrous season.
ATALA
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