2-0 win to go top
Napoli recorded a 2-0 victory over Monza on Sunday evening to extend the team’s unbeaten run to five games and end the weekend top of the table.
Matteo Politano opened the scoring halfway through the first half before Khvicha Kvaratskhelia netted what proved to be the last goal of the contest just after 30 minutes.
Napoli 2-0 Monza (HT: 2-0)
Scorers: Politano 22, Kvaratskhelia 33.
Napoli: Caprile, Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Buongiorno, Olivera (Spinazzola 90), Anguissa, Lobotka (Gilmour 90), McTominay, Politano (Neres 87), Kvaratskhelia (Mazzocchi 75), Lukaku (Raspadori 87).
Coach: Conte.
Monza: Turati, Izzo (D'Ambrosio 83), Marì, Carboni, Pereira (Martins 87), Bianco (Caprari 83), Bondo, Kyriakopoulos, Maldini, Pessina, Djuric.
Coach: Nesta.
Referee: Manganiello.
Booked: Maldini, Kvaratskhelia.
Here is coach Antonio Conte’s reaction to the three points.
“The league table only covers the first few matchdays. We need to think exclusively about working hard. It’s good to feed the fans’ dreams, but my job is to look at the reality, which says that we only started this rebuild project under three months ago. We have a group that has been tweaked in many areas and needs to develop its identity. It should be said that our schedule hasn’t been as hard as it could’ve been. Since losing away to Verona, the team has strung together some good results, but our targe is still a long way away.
“I understand there are big expectations for this team and of me, but we’re just keeping our feet on the ground and know that we’re starting from behind compared to the level shown last year. I’m pleased that the lads are showing their commitment and desire to progress. This is the biggest area of joy for me beyond results. I’m in love with this team. We’ve built a splendid atmosphere and chemistry here. Having said that, however, we need to work ever so hard to be able to fulfil the dreams of those who love Napoli.”
Skipper Giovanni Di Lorenzo also offered his take on the side’s good run of form.
“We wanted to build on our last few results and we managed it. It wasn’t easy out there and we also had to dig in. A new group is coming together with so many new lads who are full of desire to develop and, in turn, they boost the competitive level here. We’ve had a great approach to this season and want to keep it up. The league isn’t that important right now. What matters is the togetherness in the squad, which is led by a wonderful coach who we’re all following in order to go far.”
