Napoli ‘looking at’ Premier League players after McTominay

UDINE, ITALY – AUGUST 20: Napoli linked Giovanni Manna of Juventus during the Serie A TIM match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus at Dacia Arena on August 20, 2023 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Napoli director Giovanni Manna wants Napoli to resist ‘anxiety’ against Torino, as they have the opportunity to go three points clear at the top of the table. ‘We hope to keep dreaming.’

It kicks off at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT, 20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens from today’s seven Serie A games on the Liveblog.

This could be the turning point for the Scudetto race, because while last week the Partenopei caught Inter at the top of the table, now they have the opportunity to go three points clear.

It’s because the Nerazzurri already played this afternoon, losing 1-0 at home to Roma, their third consecutive defeat in all competition.

“Clearly, the main objective for this season was Champions League qualification, because this city and these fans deserve it. We’ve got a lot of that in our pocket already, so now we hope to keep dreaming,” Manna told DAZN.

Antonio Conte has tried to take some of the pressure off Napoli by insisting going for the Scudetto would be tantamount to a miracle.

“I always said the coach is a man whose CV speaks for itself. His integrity, values and abilities are beyond dispute. More than taking the pressure off, I’d say he has a sense of responsibility towards the fans, club and players.

“We stand by him and will do whatever possible to go all the way. It depends on us and whatever happens, at the end of the game we will be top of the table,” replied Manna.

“We must enjoy the moment, not let anxiety get to us, stay concentrated even if the result is not positive. It changes nothing for what we are doing.”

Giacomo Raspadori had been expected to start for Napoli this evening after his impact off the bench to beat Monza, but he is suffering from flu symptoms.

David Neres and Juan Jesus are also out injured, though Alessandro Buongiorno returns to face his former club.
Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour have impressed at Napoli, while Che Adams starts for Torino this evening.

“The Premier League is the most important league in the world right now, with far more intensity and financial capabilities than any other.

“We are looking at many profiles from that division, so when there are opportunities to bring players in from there, we are always on alert.”