Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo tries to keep a lid on enthusiasm, but admits he would be ‘lying if I said we didn’t have a huge opportunity’ of winning the Scudetto.
The Partenopei are shattering records, sitting 13 points clear at the top of the table after just one defeat all season, two draws and 17 victories, in which they scored 48 goals and conceded 15.
The chasing pack also seem to be taking turns in tripping up, creating a scramble for the Champions League places, but leaving Luciano Spalletti’s side alone out in front.
“If I have realised one thing since coming here, it is that the mood of the entire city depends on our results, so we have extra responsibility for our people,” Di Lorenzo told the official Lega Serie A website.
The Neapolitans are famously superstitious, but even then it is difficult to deny they are the runaway favourites.
“I would be lying if I said we didn’t have a huge opportunity this season, but the team knows full well that there is a very long way to go. So we mustn’t lay off, we need to keep concentrated and maintain the attitude that got us to the top of the table.”
With the departure of club legends like Lorenzo Insigne, Dries Mertens and Kalidou Koulibaly over the summer, Di Lorenzo was perhaps not the most glamorous pick to take over as captain, but he is a reliable and well-loved figure.
“Wearing the captain’s armband fills me with pride and it’s a big responsibility. When the coach decided to give it to me, I was very happy, but what made me even happier was to see the approval of all my teammates, especially those who have been at the club longer than me.
“In terms of seniority, Piotr Zielinski, Mario Rui and Alex Meret all could’ve had the role. It is an important job and every day I try to prove that I deserve to represent my team.”