AC Milan manager Sinisa Mihajlovic says his side can still fight for a Champions League place after holding title contenders Napoli to a 1-1 draw on Monday night.

Jack Bonaventura cancelled out Lorenzo Insigne's opener as Milan became just the third team to avoid defeat at Napoli in Serie A this season.

And Mihajlovic said Milan can use the result as a springboard to finish in the top three.

"It was an extremely difficult game in a stadium where it is almost impossible to win," Mihajlovic told Mediaset Premium. "Let's not forget this season Napoli got 10 victories and just two draws here this season.

"Napoli dominated the game and took the initiative, as they had to, while we tried to hurt them with as many counter-attacks as possible. This is the way we had to prepare the game, as we could do nothing else.

"After seven games unbeaten, even against Fiorentina, Inter and Napoli, we too can fight for third place if we keep up this form.

"We did well defensively today, but could've done more in attack. We need more character and determination, but I compliment the lads because they are becoming tough, the way I like them.

"Napoli were undoubtedly a little tired too after a big game against Villarreal on Thursday. Fortunately we only play once a week, so we can prepare well in training."

Carlo Bacca and AC Milan held Kalidou Koulibaly and Napoli to a 1-1 draw. AP Photo/Salvatore Laporta

Maurizio Sarri admitted his Napoli side were feeling fatigue as the missed a chance to surpass leaders Juventus, who they now trail by one point.

"Unfortunately it's a physiological issue," Sarri said. "A man cannot be at peak fitness for longer than a certain period. The important thing is to maintain a good level and keep it in the area of 95 percent.

"At the moment we have players who are at 95 percent and they happen to be the ones who tend to make the difference."

The draw comes after two consecutive defeats away from home at Juventus in Serie A and Villarreal in the Europa League.

"What were we missing in these three matches? A bit of luck," Sarri said.

"Our game against Juventus was completely different, as there were very few chances for either side. Tonight both teams created opportunities, there are regrets that we ended the first half on level terms, because Milan barely got the ball.

"Their equaliser was also clearly affected by an earlier foul on Elseid Hysaj. We got irritable, hit the upright and tried everything with a 4-2-4 that could've been very risky, but this was a night where we had to take a few risks.

"I'm sorry that we didn't win for the fans, as they were spectacular tonight. We tried everything. I saw movement off the ball and more chances created, so it was an improvement in terms of performance."