Napoli 2-1 Lecce – Partenopei stars Politano, Alisson & Hojlund react to comeback victory
Napoli dug deep to claim a hard-fought comeback victory over Lecce, and the mood in the dressing room afterwards was one of relief mixed with genuine satisfaction, particularly for Matteo Politano, who finally ended a long personal drought with a goal and an assist in the same game.
“I am so happy, I finally scored that blessed goal that had been escaping me for ages,” Politano told DAZN, via IlNapolista.
“A fantastic, perfect day. We won a difficult game and Conte told us at half-time to stay calm, that one goal would put things right. He knew our strength.”
The experienced winger was equally keen to credit the returning players for changing the game, pointing to the broader squad depth as a key factor in Napoli’s continued push for Champions League football.
Napoli 2-1 Lecce – Hojlund ‘happy’ to find shooting boots
Rasmus Højlund was another man in fine fettle after rediscovering his scoring touch.
“I am happy to have found my goal again and to help the team,” the Danish striker said.
“Players like McTominay, De Bruyne and Politano stimulate us a lot, the squad needs players like them.” He also singled out Politano specifically, noting that the winger has assists running through his veins.
Captain for the evening Alex Meret was more measured in his assessment, offering an honest appraisal of a first half that left plenty to be desired.
“We did not play well in the first half, too many misplaced passes and we gave away dangerous counter-attacks,” he said.
“In the second half we were more aggressive and the goal gave us the momentum we needed.”
Wearing the armband was a source of enormous pride for the goalkeeper, who also spoke of his ambitions to be part of Italy’s World Cup squad. He did flag one area of concern, however, aerial balls and set-pieces.
“The matches are decided there now. We need to be more focused and concede fewer goals.”
Brazilian forward Alisson Santos rounded off the reaction with a neat insight into his goalscoring philosophy.
“I always try to finish at the near post, I believe it puts the goalkeeper in more difficulty,” he said simply. “The most important thing is that Napoli won.”