Napoli edged past AC Milan at the Stadio Maradona courtesy of Matteo Politano's superb strike to rack up a fifth consecutive Serie A victory.
The match was a tight affair for over an hour, then substitute Politano fired home following a poor clearance to settle the encounter.
Antonio Conte was full of praise for the Azzurri after the final whistle.
"Today we've earned three crucial points in the race to secure Champions League football. Beating this Milan team is a superb result and we should be proud.
“This victory is great for confidence and morale. Despite all the players we have missing, we continue to show our strength and solidity. I think any other team would have sunk but we've stayed on course and I think we deserve a lot of credit for that.
“A lot of people aren't talking enough about Champions League qualification, which is by no means a given. This season we've won the Super Cup and now we must make sure we remain as high up the table as possible.
“We're honouring the Scudetto badge on our chests and there are another seven matches to go. We have to keep giving our all and focus on ourselves. Inter are having a tremendous season but we're looking upwards and we'll try to push as hard as we possibly can.”
Match-winner Matteo Politano had a dedication to make after the game.
“Today is a special day because it's my sister's birthday and also one of my best friends' birthday. The goal is for them and also for my wife.
“Although I started on the bench, I had a feeling I would come on and score. I was calm because I could see we were playing really well. It's a thoroughly deserved win.”
Giovane was pleased with his and the team's display.
"I want to thank the coach and my team-mates for helping me play from the start in such an important match.
“I'm 22 and I have to learn and improve a lot but Conte is helping me loads. I'm very proud and happy about this win. I needed an intense performance like this and I'm really delighted with the three points.”
Napoli 1-0 Milan (HT 0-0)
Scorer: Politano 79.
NAPOLI: Milinkovic-Savic; Juan Jesus (Beukema 85), Buongiorno, Olivera; Gutierrez, Anguissa, Lobotka, Spinazzola (Politano 74) De Bruyne (Elmas 85), McTominay; Giovane (Alisson Santos 70).
Coach: Conte.
MILAN: Maignan; Tomori (Loftus-Cheek 82), De Winter, Pavlovic; Saelemaekers (Athekame 62), Fofana, Modric, Rabiot, Bartesaghi, Nkunku (Pulisic 74), Fullkrug (Gimenez 62).
Coach: Allegri.
Referee: Doveri.
Booked: Buongiorno, Politano
