Napoli's social channels praise effort after Villarreal defeat

Hours after losing 3-1 in the Champions League, the club's social accounts chose pride over criticism — and split opinion among supporters.

by Rosaria CimminoWednesday 14 October, 18:09 CET· 2 hours ago

Stadio Maradona (Napoli), Agosto (2) — Foto: Calciopedia · CC0

Hours after Napoli's 3-1 defeat at Villarreal, the club's official social channels posted a message running counter to the criticism aimed at the team: "Fino all'ultima goccia. #ProudToBeNapoli" ("Until the last drop"). The post praised the players' effort and sacrifice rather than the result — a defeat that leaves Napoli on zero points after two Champions League league-phase matchdays, following the opening loss to Arsenal.

The message divided supporters, between those who read it as a deserved show of support for a team that fought regardless, and those who saw it as an attempt to soften a harsh verdict delivered on the pitch. The dressing room told a different story: Politano, speaking after the match, did not mince words.

Ci manca lo spirito di squadra

Reconciling the pride claimed by the club with the vice-captain's self-criticism is not straightforward. With Allegri's management already under scrutiny this week, a post like this risks looking like a plaster on a wound that reopens on Saturday at the Penzo, against a Venezia side fresh from sacking Stroppa. That match, not social media, will be the real test of this squad.