Massimiliano Allegri concedes title fight as AC Milan lose in Naples

Milan travelled to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona knowing the stakes were high, but a late goal from Matteo Politano condemned them to a costly defeat. The result left them nine points behind leaders Inter Milan and overtaken by Napoli in the standings.

Allegri did not hide from the reality after the match.

"The Scudetto race is not for us now," he said. "Inter are nine points away and Napoli are ahead. We have to focus on ourselves and take it one game at a time.

"We are on track for our objective, but it won't be decided in a week or two. We must keep working and try to win games."

The Milan coach also reflected on the key moment that decided the match, pointing to a defensive lapse.

"We allowed one situation we should have dealt with better," he added. "Overall, the team played well, but these details make the difference."

Napoli, chasing the leaders themselves, showed greater urgency after the break. Mike Maignan was forced into action to keep Milan level, while the hosts created the clearer chances as the game opened up.

The decisive moment arrived late when Politano reacted quickest at the back post, firing a low volley into the net just minutes after coming off the bench.

Only then did Milan respond, with substitutes Santiago Gimenez and Rafael Leao trying to spark a comeback, but their efforts lacked the cutting edge required.

For Napoli, the win marked a fifth consecutive league victory and kept their own faint title hopes alive, moving them closer to Inter. For Milan, however, the message was clear.

Their title challenge had faded, and the priority now was simple: secure a top-four finish and return to the Champions League next season.