Napoli, Politano is Conte’s untouchable: always plays, but… | OneFootball

Ten starts for Napoli's winger, crucial for balance and intensity. The only downside remains the zero in the scoring chart.

Napoli, Politano, Conte's untouchable: always plays, but…

Matteo Politano has become an absolute certainty for Antonio Conte. In a Napoli that continues to search for its identity under the new technical management, the Roman winger has confirmed himself as one of the cornerstones of the project, a player in whom the coach has never had doubts.

As Antonio Giordano highlights in La Gazzetta dello Sport, “being Politano is now a factor.” Since wearing the blue jersey, the former Inter and Sassuolo player has been considered indispensable by six different coaches, and Conte is no exception.

“Ten out of ten, never giving him up, systematically starting from him, the untouchable of that wing who has also reclaimed the National team by putting his soul into it,” writes Giordano.

Conte's loyal follower

Politano has indeed played all ten Serie A matches Napoli has played so far, always as a starter. A constant presence that testifies to the trust of the Salento coach, convinced of the tactical value and completeness of his winger.

The former Roma player has become a true “system assistant,” essential for the team's balance:

“He is the social assistant for everyone,” continues the Gazzetta. “Not only for Di Lorenzo, who must slide towards the center of the defense, but also for Anguissa when attacking space and for Hojlund in offensive combinations.”

Politano sacrifices himself in both phases, presses, tracks back, and supports the action. He is the first to run and often the last to stop, so much so that Conte considers him an example of dedication and reliability.

Fatigue and rotation? Neres temptation for Conte

The only doubt lingering in Castel Volturno concerns physical endurance: Politano has played a lot and might be “running out of steam,” writes La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Despite this, for the next match against Bologna, Conte does not seem inclined to give him up, even though the temptation to give David Neres a chance, ready to debut from the first minute, is growing.

The only flaw: the missing goal

In a Napoli that has regained compactness and rhythm, the surprising fact is the absence of goals from Politano.

“That zero in the scorers' chart is the only discordant note of this start where the speedometer has been sent into a spin,” the Gazzetta highlights again.

Despite the absence of goals, the overall performance remains high: Politano is among the best dribblers in the league and one of the most involved players in Napoli's offensive play. Only Lamine Yamal surpasses him in Europe for the average number of successful dribbles.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.