ROME, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Eljif Elmas' goal in the opening minutes proved decisive, as Napoli ended the winless run in Serie A on Sunday by edging AC Milan 1-0 at San Siro.
It was a head-to-head for the second place, as AC Milan ranked second before Sunday's game, three points ahead of fourth-placed Napoli.
The away side took a dream start just four minutes into the game when Piotr Zielinski's corner set up Elmas to turn in a header.
Milan responded by creating a series of chances as Zlatan Ibrahimovic's header was inches wide while Alessandro Florenzi's attempt from distance whistled wide too.
The Rossoneri continued its press after the break but was toothless to find the back of the net.
In a desperate bid to avoid a home defeat, Milan poured forward in the closing stage, and it worked wonderfully in the dying minutes when Franck Kessie drilled home from a close range.
However, the goal was disallowed as the referee judged Olivier Giroud was in an active offside position after checking the VAR.
The win allowed Napoli to climb to second place with 39 points, leading Milan by virtue of goal difference.
Elsewhere, Sassuolo squandered a 2-0 lead over Fiorentina, as the Viola fought back for 2-2 on home turf.
In Sunday's other fixtures, Torino narrowed past Hellas Verona 1-0, Spezia shared the spoils with Empoli at 1-1, while Sampdoria was also held by Venezia 1-1. Enditem
