Matteo Politano's Milan Haunt Continues with Decisive Napoli Goal
Matteo Politano once again proved to be AC Milan's nemesis, scoring the winning goal for Napoli in a 1-0 Serie A victory at the Stadio Maradona on Sunday. The 30-year-old winger's second-half strike effectively ended Milan's lingering title hopes for this season, continuing a remarkable personal streak against the Rossoneri that now spans eight years.
According to post-match comments reported by Italian media, Napoli manager Antonio Conte revealed he had predicted Politano's decisive impact, telling the player before the match that his introduction from the bench would resolve the contest. Politano, who entered the fray in the 65th minute, justified his manager's faith by finding the net with a left-footed finish past Mike Maignan just twelve minutes later.
This latest strike marks Politano's seventh career goal against Milan, making them the opponent he has scored against most frequently in Serie A. His history of tormenting the seven-time European champions began in the 2016-17 season while he was a Sassuolo player, scoring in a 4-3 defeat at San Siro. He added another goal against them for Sassuolo the following season before a quiet eighteen-month spell at Inter Milan, where he failed to score in the Derby della Madonnina.
The pattern resumed with vigor after his January 2020 transfer to Napoli. He scored against Milan in an empty San Siro in March 2021, a goal that damaged their title charge that season, and repeated the feat from the penalty spot the following year in front of a hostile crowd. That 2022 celebration, where he cupped his hands to his ears towards the Milan supporters, cemented a fierce rivalry and ensured a hostile reception on every subsequent visit.
In the three most recent campaigns, Politano has maintained his habit of scoring once per season against Milan, with all three of those goals coming at the Maradona. He scored in a 2-2 draw in 2023/24, in a 2-1 win during Napoli's Scudetto-winning 2024/25 season, and now with this season's decisive intervention. His consistent output against a top rival underscores his value as a clutch performer for Napoli, even in a season where the club's objectives have shifted.
The result has significant implications for the Serie A landscape. Napoli consolidates its position in the European qualification places, while Milan's defeat leaves them too far adrift to challenge for the Scudetto. For Politano, the performance is a timely reminder of his quality amid a season of transition under Conte. His unique record against one of Italy's most storied clubs adds a notable chapter to his career narrative, highlighting a specific and persistent proficiency that few players can claim.
