Il Mattino blames Politano but the real problem is Allegri

On a sparkling afternoon at the Estadio de la Cerámica, Napoli suffered a 2-1 defeat against Villarreal, the second consecutive loss in the Champions League. The result comes after an incredible comeback by the Spanish club, which overturned the blue advantage gained in the first half.

The commentary from Il Mattino

The newspaper Il Mattino, released today at the newsstand, highlighted the bewildering attitude of Massimiliano Allegri's side, which gradually faded. The performance in the second half of the match is described as an indescribably bitter aftertaste.

Criticism of Napoli and Politano

In the second half Napoli “completely pulled the plug”, giving up on attacking a game that was still well within reach and condemning themselves to an unacceptable passive management for their ambitions and what was at stake. The newspaper denounces a “horrific blackout” technically, tactically and mentally, with a wrong lineup and a terrible attitude.

Napoli collapses at Villarreal: zero points in Champions League and urgent warnings

Il Mattino states that everyone will blame Politano for the mess at the 22nd minute that put the “Yellow Submarine” back in play, but adds that they are all wrong, not just him.

In summary, the defeat is not only the result of a single mistake, but of a series of tactical choices and a morale drop that hit Napoli in the second half.

Napoli: Allegri's 50% loss and 3-1 to Villarreal block Champions League