Matteo Politano's Consistent Scoring Haunt Continues for Milan
Matteo Politano has once again proven to be a persistent thorn in AC Milan's side, scoring the decisive goal for Napoli in their recent Serie A victory. The 30-year-old winger's seventh career goal against the Rossoneri sealed a 1-0 win at the Stadio Maradona, effectively ending Milan's title ambitions for this season. According to post-match comments reported by Italian media, Napoli manager Antonio Conte had predicted Politano's impact from the bench.
Politano's unique streak against Milan is one of the most consistent in Italian football, spanning nearly a decade and multiple clubs. His first goal against them came in 2016 while he was a Sassuolo player, capitalizing on a defensive error in a 4-3 loss. The pattern continued the following season with a crucial equalizer against a Milan side then managed by Gennaro Gattuso. After a move to Inter Milan in 2018, his scoring paused during his derby appearances, only to reignite with vigor upon joining Napoli in January 2020.
His Napoli goals against Milan have been particularly painful. In March 2021, his strike past Gianluigi Donnarumma in an empty San Siro dealt a critical blow to Stefano Pioli's scudetto chase. A year later, he scored a penalty in a 2-1 win, a moment that sparked a fierce reaction from the Milan supporters. Politano responded by cupping his hands to his ears, a gesture that has made his subsequent appearances in Milan a charged affair. In the last three seasons, he has scored against them exclusively at the Maradona, including goals in the 2022/23, 2023/24, and now the current campaign.
The consistency of this record underscores Politano's role as a reliable offensive weapon for Napoli, capable of decisive moments in major fixtures. For Milan, his repeated success highlights a specific defensive vulnerability they have yet to solve over multiple managerial eras. While the source article focuses on his historical performance rather than transfer activity, Politano's proven ability in big matches reinforces his value to his current club as a seasoned Serie A campaigner. His current contract with Napoli runs until 2027, suggesting he will have further opportunities to extend this remarkable personal record against one of Italy's most storied clubs.
