Matteo Politano admitted Napoli still have some "bitterness" over their loss to Atalanta last week, but he insists they will continue to give everything, with a trip to Verona up next.

Napoli were beaten 2-1 by Atalanta last time out, but they had a goal ruled out for a foul by Rasmus Hojlund on Isak Hien, with refereeing chief Dino Tommasi later saying the decision to disallow it was wrong.

It was a defeat that left Napoli in third, 14 points behind leaders Inter, and they are now winless in their last three matches in all competitions (D2 L1).

Politano did not shy away from the ongoing frustration after their last match, but he is confident Napoli have what it takes to get back to winning ways.

"There's still bitterness," Politano told Radio Crc.

"There's a lot of disappointment over the Atalanta result, because we played a great first half, and in the second half, we scored another goal that was disallowed due to an error.

"We accept the decision and try to move forward. We always try to give our best, even in difficult times. In terms of commitment, we've always given everything."

Verona are bottom of the table on 15 points, nine from safety, and are winless in their last 11 matches (D3 L8), but they did battle to a 2-2 draw against Napoli in the reverse fixture last month.

Napoli are still fighting for a Champions League place, holding a four-point cushion over fifth-placed Juventus, but they are still contending with injuries as they look to consolidate their place in the top four.

"The injuries weigh heavily because there have been so many absences, and it's a great disappointment; we've never used our full squad," Politano added.

"We could have had more points, and that's why there's disappointment, but I think those who have been here gave their all, all year.

"That's why we're still there, fighting for a Champions League spot. It will be difficult because there are so many strong teams, but we are strong too."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Verona – Daniel Mosquera

Mosquera has failed to score in 18 games in Serie A this season, and he will be desperate to change that this weekend.

All five of his league goals for Verona have come as a substitute, including a brace on his debut in the competition against Napoli on August 18, 2024. 

Napoli – Matteo Politano

Politano has been involved in six goals against Verona in Serie A (two goals, four assists); only against AC Milan (seven) has he played a part in more goals in the competition, matching this six-goal tally against four other teams.

However, among players yet to score in Serie A this season, only Jesus Rodriguez (37) has attempted more shots than Politano (34).

MATCH PREDICTION: NAPOLI WIN

Following their 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture on January 7, Verona and Napoli could draw both of their Serie A meetings in a single season for only the third time, after 1971-72 and 1972-73.

However, Napoli have remained unbeaten in nine of their last 10 Serie A matches against Hellas Verona (W5 D4 L1); the Gialloblu's only win in this period came in August 2024 at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi (3-0), which was Antonio Conte's first league match in charge of Napoli.

And following that victory, Verona could win consecutive home league matches against the Partenopei for the first time since doing so between 1997 and 2001.

Napoli have lost nine of their 18 away games across all competitions this season (W7 D2), and across their previous 16 seasons, they only registered at least 10 defeats on one occasion: 11 in 2014-15, in 28 away matches.

After their defeat against Atalanta, Napoli could lose two Serie A matches in a row for the first time under Conte. Overall, the last time they suffered two consecutive league defeats was in December 2023, but the reigning champions are expected to overcome Genoa on Sunday.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Verona – 16.4%

Draw – 23.6%

Napoli – 60%