Giovanni Di Lorenzo reacted to Napoli’s explosive start to the season, Italy’s Nations League results and the qualities of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
The Partenopei currently sit top of the Serie A table after the first seven games of the season, picking up 17 points from five wins and two draws. The team have looked equally impressive in the Champions League, beating both Liverpool and Rangers in the opening two group games. Napoli have a busy week approaching, facing Torino on October 1 and Ajax on October 4.
Speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, Di Lorenzo first touched on Italy’s Nations League wins over England and Hungary.
“Qualifying for the Final Four was important for the national team’s path of rebirth after the great disappointment about not qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar.”
He spoke about the expectations placed on Napoli this season and their goals.
“Many had said that this Napoli team couldn’t fight for the Champions League, now they’re telling us that we’re Scudetto contenders.
“We don’t care about the noise, we haven’t done anything yet, but we have a lot of enthusiasm.”
The 29-year-old Italian full back discussed the strengths of this Napoli squad after their strong start.
“There’s a great squad to work with and share every moment. Strong youngsters have arrived and we’ve started the season in an excellent way, we must continue like this. Also bearing in mind that we’ll be playing every three days and so we’ll need everyone’s contribution.
“Raspadori? He’s having a golden moment and has settled in, he just has to keep going, it all depends on him.”
Di Lorenzo had high praise for star arrival Kvaratskhelia, who has shone since joining in the summer.
“He’s showing great quality, even in training he gives us a hard time. He knows that, sooner or later, difficult moments will come and his character will help him to manage them. The same goes for Simeone, Raspadori and the other new arrivals.”
Finally, Di Lorenzo looked ahead to Napoli’s upcoming match against Torino.
“We’ll have to move the ball quickly against such an opponent. We rely on Spalletti, who is our guide in every sense. He is very important for all of us.”
Correct Di Lorenzo, pick up as many points as you can now, you’ll need them for that fight for the Europa League spot.
Haha Gigi is a funny guy!
Only Milan have a chance in keeping up with this new Napoli.
lmao Gigi, another disgruntled Northerner. “Europa League Spot” – saying this to a club playing in the UCL that hammered Liverpool. I bet Gigi follows a club that didn’t even make it to the Conference league.