Politano: ‘Napoli had lost self-belief, but with Calzona and Osimhen…’ | OneFootball

Matteo Politano thinks Napoli have turned a corner with their 6-1 victory over Sassuolo, Francesco Calzona’s influence and the return of Victor Osimhen. ‘We had lost our self-belief.’

The Partenopei would appear to be well and truly back, as after conceding an early Uros Racic curler against the run of play, they ran riot at the Mapei Stadium.

Amir Rrahmani got the equaliser, followed by a Victor Osimhen hat-trick, while Kvicha Kvaratskhelia scored twice to complete the 6-1 rout.

“We knew it was fundamental, we were missing this win and I think we proved today that we are a strong squad. It is a pity we lost so many points along the way, but if this is the approach, I am sure we can do well over the next few games,” Politano told DAZN.

“We needed a match like this, as it is important in terms of mentality and confidence, we had recently lost some of our self-belief. We stepped onto the pitch calm and knowing our capabilities.”

It was the first win since new coach Calzona took charge after 1-1 draws with Barcelona and Cagliari, but also means Osimhen has scored five goals in his three games since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

This is also the Nigerian’s second Serie A career brace and curiously the other one was also against Sassuolo.

“It is a difficult season, the third coach of the campaign, but many of us knew him already as he worked with Sarri and then Spalletti. From the first day, he showed us his style of football, even if we didn’t have many training sessions,” added Politano.

It is perhaps harsh that Walter Mazzarri was sacked the moment Osimhen returned, as he barely had the striker at his disposal during that tenure.

“Victor and Kvara are great players, obviously it is all easier when you’ve got an Osi like this.”

Lazio on 40 points in joint eighth place, which is still a long way off the Champions League spots, but not entirely impossible.