Napoli heads to Verona still bitter after loss
Matteo Politano has admitted Napoli still has some bitterness over its Serie A loss to Atalanta last week, but he insists it will continue to give everything, with a trip to Verona up next.
Napoli was beaten 2-1 by Atalanta, but had a goal ruled out for a foul by Rasmus Hojlund on Isak Hien, with refereeing chief Dino Tommasi later saying the decision to disallow it was wrong.
It was a defeat that left Napoli in third, 14 points behind leader Inter Milan, and it is now winless in its past three matches in all competitions.
Politano did not shy away from the ongoing frustration after the most recent match, but he is confident Napoli has what it takes to get back to winning ways.
"There's still bitterness," Politano told local radio.
"There's a lot of disappointment over the Atalanta result, because we played a great first half, and in the second half, we scored another goal that was disallowed due to an error.
"We accept the decision and try to move forward. We always try to give our best, even in difficult times. In terms of commitment, we've always given everything."
Verona is bottom of the table on 15 points, nine from safety, and winless in its past 11 matches, which includes eight defeats, but it did battle to a 2-2 draw against Napoli in the reverse fixture last month.
Napoli is still fighting for a UEFA Champions League place, holding a four-point cushion over fifth-placed Juventus, but it is still contending with injuries as it looks to consolidate its place in the top four.
"The injuries weigh heavily because there have been so many absences, and it's a great disappointment; we've never used our full squad," Politano added.
"We could have had more points, and that's why there's disappointment, but I think those who have been here gave their all, all year.
"That's why we're still there, fighting for a Champions League spot. It will be difficult because there are so many strong teams, but we are strong too."
