Politano has Italy ambition, Di Lorenzo ‘pleased’ as Napoli new leaders | OneFootball

Matteo Politano hopes he can get back into the Italy squad after ending his goal drought for Napoli, while Giovanni Di Lorenzo admits it is ‘pleasing’ to be back on top of the Serie A table.

The Partenopei were dominant at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this evening against Monza, going into the break 2-0 up with Politano’s first goal since April and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia also finishing off a team move.

“We knew the importance of this game and wanted the win at all costs to keep the consistency going,” Politano told DAZN after the final whistle.

Italy boss Luciano Spalletti was in the stands to watch some of the Azzurri players, including Politano, so is this enough to earn a recall?

“That is my objective, to get back into the Italy squad. All I can do is give my best for Napoli and then the coach will decide.”

Di Lorenzo ‘pleased’ Napoli back on top

That result sends Napoli to the top of the Serie A table as the new leaders, a remarkable turnaround considering the alarm bells were ringing when they lost the opening game 3-0 to Hellas Verona.

Since then, they have earned four victories and a 0-0 draw away to Juventus, along with the midweek 5-0 Coppa Italia win over Palermo.

“It’s certainly pleasing to be up there, as we make so many sacrifices during the week. Naturally, it’s early days, but still pleasing,” captain Di Lorenzo told DAZN.

There are naturally some comparisons being drawn with the side that won the Scudetto under Spalletti, but they are eager to avoid that.

“That is the past, there was another year after that, so there is no point talking about it now. We know that nobody will give us anything for free, we have to work hard for every point. There are a lot of new players who are eager to do well, we’re happy and want to continue like this.”

Di Lorenzo had been on the verge of leaving Napoli in the summer, but was convinced to remain by Conte.

“It is an honest rapport from the first day we talked. We haven’t worked together for long, but I am sure by following the coach we will grow as a team and as individuals,” concluded the captain.

“It is a pleasure to be trained by him, he is a great coach, and we want to take Napoli back where the club deserves to be.”