Stefano Pioli believes Milan could have ridden out their recent slump and still won the Serie A title if not for Napoli’s “exceptional” season.
Milan are fourth in the table, having gone a costly five league matches without a win across January and the start of February.
Although Milan are five points down on where they were after 23 games of 2021-22, they still only trail Inter in second by three points, as Napoli are the clear outliers.
Pioli has admitted that what Napoli do today in the Seria A an only be termed “exceptional”, been 15 points clear as they sit comfortable at the top of the table.
Pioli received the top honour at the Panchina d’Oro – Italian football’s coaching awards – on Monday in recognition of that stunning Milan triumph last campaign.
Pioli is of the opinion that if Napoli were not in the picture, his side would easily overturn the points with which they thrill behind Inter to be crowned champions for the second time.