Politano: ‘Napoli cannot have this attitude, only Italians take responsibility’

PORTO, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 04: Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Kevin De Bruyne during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD4 match between FC Porto and SSC Napoli at Estadio do Dragao on November 04, 2026 in Porto, Portugal. (Photo by Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images)

Matteo Politano seemed to launch a broadside at his Napoli teammates after the 4-1 defeat to FC Porto, noting it was ‘just us Italians’ who took responsibility for their difficulties.

The Partenopei had started quite strong at the Estadio do Dragao this evening, despite having a decimated squad with 10 players out between injury and ineligibility, leaving only three senior outfield figures on the bench.

The Jan Bednarek header on a corner was cancelled out by Scott McTominay, but they crumbled in the final 20 minutes to Gabriel Veiga’s counter-attack, another free header from Jakub Kiwior and the late Samu penalty with Rafa Marin red card.

Politano upset with Napoli teammates

When Politano was the first to speak after the match, Sky Sport Italia noted it was ‘always you’ who comes to represent the squad in the media room.

“It would be nice if a few other teammates came here to give an explanation and not just us Italians, but never mind,” replied Politano with what could only be described as a bitter laugh.

“I never hide my face.”

Napoli had hoped for better after the 2-0 Serie A defeat to Juventus at the weekend, but have now lost three out of four Champions League matches.

“We didn’t see the progress we wanted. The first half had been a good approach, we had equalised and created a few more chances that we could’ve done better, but we conceded two goals from corners and they hit the crossbar twice, all from the same situations, so there’s not a lot to say there,” added Politano.

“The attitude is one that a team like ours cannot have at this level.”

Considering his comment about only the Italians stepping up, does Politano feel there is a lack of unity at Napoli, or that Max Allegri is losing control of the side?

“I was not attacking anyone, we have a squad that is struggling, but we need to come together and think about this next game before the break for international duty. Hopefully we can recover a few players during that spell and then our season can really begin.”

It is a recurring theme that Napoli tend to crumble in the last 30 minutes of matches, both in Serie A and Europe, so is it purely a physical problem?

“I don’t know, we have asked ourselves that too. At times, it is not even a tactical issue, as we are all behind the ball, but we lack the determination and sharpness, we don’t read situations well or sense danger,” added Politano.

“In the Champions League and Serie A, the moment you leave the slightest bit of space, they punish you.”

Speaking to Amazon Prime Video Italia, Politano also added that “losing 2-1 and losing 4-1 is a big difference. We melted at the second goal and we need to take a good look at ourselves.”