Matteo Politano insists Napoli will ‘fight to the end of the Scudetto’ after getting back on track with a 2-1 victory over Cagliari. ‘This result means a lot.’
This was a hard-fought fixture at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, which kicked off 30 minutes late due to delays getting the fans in following strong winds that damaged the roof.
Victor Osimhen finally found a breakthrough with a towering header that Simone Scuffet couldn’t keep out, only for Leonardo Pavoletti to equalise moments later.
The Nigerian proved decisive again when battling against six Sardinians to juggle the ball, turn and get the pass to Kvicha Kvaratskhelia at the back post.
“This result means a lot and it was fundamental we get back to winning at home,” Politano told DAZN.
“We had to sweat until the end, as Cagliari caused us a lot of problems.”
Osimhen showed off his African Footballer of the Year Award before kick-off and then gave a display worthy of that title with a goal and assist.
“He is an important player for us, he wanted to get back on the scoresheet. We are pleased for him, but above all happy for the victory.”
Politano is becoming the regular first choice on the right side of the trident attack, with Kvaratskhelia on the left.
“I am glad to have this consistency and hope to score more goals.”
There have been visible improvements in the Napoli performances since Walter Mazzarri took over from Rudi Garcia.
“The coach tried to bring the kind of enthusiasm we were lacking, but that was caused by the lack of results. We are slowly recovering ground and will keep taking it one game at a time, but we hope to fight to the end for the Scudetto, as there is a long way to go yet.”