Palladino: ‘Atalanta defender clearly fouled’ in 2-1 victory over Napoli | OneFootball

Raffaele Palladino insists Atalanta did not benefit from debatable refereeing decisions in their 2-1 win over Napoli. ‘Isak Hien had his arm pulled by Rasmus Hojlund.’

La Dea were still shaken by their midweek Champions League 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, and risked falling apart after going a goal down to the Sam Beukema free header this afternoon.

BERGAMO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 05: Mario Pasalic of Atalanta celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the Coppa Italia Quarter-Final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at the New Balance Arena on February 05, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

However, after two refereeing decisions rescued them from a Napoli penalty and Miguel Gutierrez goal, they turned it around in the space of 20 minutes through Mario Pasalic and Lazar Samardzic for the 2-1 victory.

Palladino stands up for Atalanta and referee

BERGAMO, ITALY – JANUARY 03: Raffaele Palladino, Head Coach of Atalanta looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and AS Roma at New Balance Arena on January 03, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

“I think the team has gained belief in its capabilities, as we faced Napoli three months ago and lost 3-1, but from there we started this journey together with many positive performances and difficult moments,” Palladino told DAZN Italia.

“There is a great deal of self-confidence now. We are very happy with this performance, we proved that we are up there too for the top four. We want to keep growing and climbing. This game can also give us precious energy for the Champions League play-off.”

DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Mario Pasalic, Isak Hien and Marten de Roon of Atalanta applaud the fans following the team’s defeat during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Napoli protested above all at the lack of consistency, because if VAR could intervene to say it wasn’t sufficient contact on the penalty, why not do the same on the Hojlund challenge on Hien?

“As far as I am concerned, my player is one on one with Hojlund, he had the advantage in terms of position, he told me that his arm was pulled back and that sent him to ground,” insisted Palladino.

“I think it’s a foul, clear and evident, there is contact. I understand Napoli’s position, but I don’t see anything wrong with that. It seems pretty clear to me that Hien was pulled down.

“Look, it was a good game of football, I don’t want to talk about incidents. It was a real battle and we’re very happy.”

This puts Atalanta in seventh place, the same as Como in sixth and only one point behind Juventus in fifth, but also closing the gap from third-placed Napoli to only five points.

“When you prepare a game, you need to predict both the first and the second half. I already have changes in my mind, including for the last 10 minutes,” explained Palladino.

“Kamaldeen Sulemana tired out the Napoli defenders in the first half, but we were too sterile then. I introduced Samardzic, the gaps started to open up, and then we were clinical. Everyone came on with the right energy.”