Politano: ‘Napoli must prove we deserve to be on top’

Matteo Politano scores for Napoli against Monza (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Matteo Politano wants Napoli to ‘prove we deserve’ to be the Serie A leaders as they face troubled Milan this evening.

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from this game, Cagliari-Bologna and Lecce-Verona on the Liveblog.

The Partenopei further extended their lead at the top of the Serie A table thanks to the 4-4 thriller between Inter and Juventus on Sunday evening.

“It is always wonderful to play at San Siro, especially when we arrive here as leaders and must prove we deserve to be there,” Politano told DAZN.

“A victory would give us an extra push for the future games, but we know there is a long way to go this season. It would certainly be a boost.”

Politano glad to avoid Theo Hernandez

Matteo Politano celebrates Napoli-Monza (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Milan are decimated by injuries, bans to Theo Hernandez and Tijjani Reijnders, plus Christian Pulisic is only fit for the bench after suffering from flu symptoms.

Considering Politano is playing down the Napoli right, will it be an advantage or disadvantage that he isn’t up against Theo Hernandez tonight?

“It is definitely an advantage for us that Theo Hernandez is suspended, we all know the quality that he has. He is an exceptional player and a big loss for Milan’s playing style.

“Having said that, the players who will step in are sure to be of a high level.”

Filippo Terracciano is taking the left-back role for the Rossoneri instead, with Samuel Chukwueze chosen rather than Rafael Leao.

Despite the many absentees, this is a technical decision by coach Paulo Fonseca.

The only player out injured for Napoli is Stanislav Lobotka, replaced by Billy Gilmour yet again.