Raffaele Palladino remains optimistic after Atalanta’s 3-1 loss to Napoli, viewing it as an opportunity to focus on the positives. “The team’s second-half performance is what I want to see,” he stated.
Making his debut on the Atalanta bench in his hometown of Naples felt more like a nightmare as the team faced a daunting 3-0 deficit by halftime.
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David Neres scored twice, with Noa Lang adding another goal, showcasing a strong Napoli performance at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
After a couple of substitutions, Atalanta found their stride; Gianluca Scamacca scored a beautiful volley, providing a glimmer of hope and several chances to improve the scoreline.
Palladino Sees the Silver Lining for Atalanta
NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Raffaele Palladino, head coach of Atalanta BC, greets SSC Napoli’s head coach Antonio Conte before the Serie A match at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 22, 2025. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
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Palladino remarked, “We anticipated Napoli would start vigorously, which they did with a man-to-man approach. We had Pasalic in position to draw the ball, but we didn’t utilize him effectively in the first half.” He said to Sky Sport Italia.
“It’s frustrating that the third goal was avoidable; it allowed Napoli to remain comfortably ahead. However, the second half was a different story. I appreciated the players’ character in their reaction, which is the Atalanta spirit that I want to see. We created numerous chances to narrow the gap to 3-2, but Napoli handled their defense well.”
“We have aspects to improve upon and others to build on for the future.”
Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Napoli 3-1 Atalanta
NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Gianluca Scamacca of Atalanta BC celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match against SSC Napoli on November 22, 2025. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
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Scamacca, one of the two halftime substitutes, appeared to invigorate the team after a lackluster first half.
“Gianluca came on with the right mindset, and I liked the overall attitude of the team in the second half. They seemed to forget the first half entirely. We need to harness that spirit moving forward,” Palladino added.
“I see many positives from this match; we have talented strikers, and I believe we will do well in the future.”
Both of Neres’ initial goals stemmed from failed Atalanta attacks, leaving the team vulnerable.
“I concur. Our training time has been limited, as I only gathered the entire squad on Thursday. We can be a bit vulnerable when in possession, and the second and third goals were certainly avoidable; this will be a focus for improvement.”
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“Nonetheless, it’s essential to look at the glass as half-full and concentrate on the positive elements to uplift the team’s confidence.”
NAPLES, ITALY – NOVEMBER 22: Raffaele Palladino, head coach of Atalanta BC, during the Serie A match against SSC Napoli at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 22, 2025. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
While Atalanta, under Gian Piero Gasperini, were renowned for their intensity and endurance, that quality seemed to be lacking this season.
“We must also address those areas, as the players have put in significant physical work over the past few days. They understand the importance of hard work when playing for me. They respond like soldiers, adhering to every order, and that is a strong foundation,” Palladino remarked.
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Atalanta is currently falling in the Serie A standings, sitting in 13th place and facing their third consecutive league defeat. They have yet to secure a win in the last eight rounds, with their last victory being a 3-0 triumph away to Torino on September 21.