Politano sheds light on refereeing discrepancy between Serie A and UCL amid Barçelona penalty controversy

Matteo Politano reflects on Napoli's 3-1 defeat against Barcelona in the Champions League, feeling they deserved a penalty.

Politano Disappointed With Ucl Referees
Ciro De Luca/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Matteo Politano believes that Napoli had a legitimate claim for a penalty against Barcelona due to a foul on Victor Osimhen. However, he emphasizes the need for Napoli to shift their focus to Serie A and strive for a top-four finish.

Speaking to reporters after Napoli’s 3-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg, Politano expressed disappointment at their inability to equalize despite having opportunities to do so. He acknowledged the challenging task ahead but stressed the importance of remaining competitive in the remaining ten Serie A matches.

Napoli had appealed for a penalty in the second half for a challenge on Osimhen, but the decision didn’t go in their favour. Politano noted the discrepancy in officiating between Serie A and the Champions League.

Even Napoli’s coach, Francesco Calzona, voiced his protest, suggesting that VAR should have intervened.

Politano revealed that President Aurelio De Laurentiis did not address the team during halftime, but discussions with the coach occurred after the match. Despite the setback, Politano urged the team to analyze their mistakes and stay focused on their objectives.

Acknowledging the significance of the match against Barcelona, Politano emphasized the team’s target of securing a top-four finish in Serie A. He highlighted the importance of returning to the Champions League and expressed gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support.

As Napoli aims to bounce back, Politano remains confident in their ability to deliver positive results. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of giving their supporters memorable moments in the remaining matches of the season.

Having scored seven goals and provided eight assists in 38 appearances across all competitions this season, Politano remains a key figure for Napoli, contributing to their efforts in both domestic and European competitions.

Matteo Politano

Matteo Politano

Forwarder, Midfielder

ItalyItaly

Age: 31

171 cm

67 kg

Season 2023/2024
Played 33 1 Missed
Minutes 2139 64.8 Avg
Goals 8 0.2 Avg
Assist 5 0.2 Avg
Attempt 67 2.0 Avg
Passes 998 30.279.7% AvgSucc
Yellow 2 0.1 Avg
Red 1 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 8 times for 584 minutes for Champions League.

Matteo Politano scored 1 goal for Napoli. He procured one assist. He received 1 yellow card and no red cards.

His team is currently 7th in Champions League. In the last match Napoli lost 3-1 against FC Barcelona.

Napoli performance and stats

Napoli

Manager: Francesco Calzona
Rank 9th
Win 13
Draw 11
Loss 10
Goals 52-43
Diff 9
Rank 2nd
Win 3
Draw 1
Loss 2
Goals 10-9
Diff 1

Napoli is currently 2nd in the Champions League with 10 points.

In the last 8 games, it has won 3 times, drawn twice, and lost 3 times. In its last match, Napoli lost 3-1 against FC Barcelona.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 10 goals and conceding 9.​