Napoli players have ‘no problem’ with Lukaku: ‘Difficult time’

Napoli winger Matteo Politano insists players have ‘no problem’ with Romelu Lukaku, while Leonardo Spinazzola describes the Belgian striker as a ‘gentle giant’ who has faced a ‘really difficult time’ personally.

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Napoli secured a 1-0 win over Milan on Monday night, climbing to the second position in the table, seven points behind leaders Inter.

Napoli 1-0 Milan: Spinazzola and Poitano’s post-match interviews

Italy international Politano was introduced from the bench and scored the winner for the Partenopei, and was celebrated with a warm hug from his teammate and compatriot Spinazzola.

“There is friendship for over 15 years, we grew up together and met up again here,” Politano told DAZN Italia via TMW.

“Today is the birthday of both one of my best friends and my sister, so I dedicate the goal to them.”

Napoli were without a natural centre-forward against the Rossoneri, as Rasmus Hojlund was ruled out with the flu, while Romelu Lukaku has been frozen out after staying in Belgium during and after the international break to train individually.

“We have no problem with Romelu; he always behaved well with us, and we are in contact. It’s between him and the club, it’s up to them to sort it out,” Politano said.

Spinazzola added: “This has been a really difficult time for Rom, he lost his Dad, he seems like a big tough guy, but really he’s a gentle giant, a big softie. We talked a lot, I know how much he suffered, so I hope above all for him that this can pass.”

The experienced full-back also spoke about his rapport with Politano and mentioned Italy’s World Cup play-off elimination as both players were part of the Azzurri squad last week.

“We shared something horrible a few days ago, but this is football,” he added via TMW.

“Today was a big reaction from everyone. I told Matteo before getting out there that he would decide it, because Milan are his favourite prey.

“We believe that we can win every game, then we’ll see where we end up, but we have faith that we can get a run of victories. Today was important for the Champions League places, then we’ll see where we are on May 25.”

Napoli’s next game is away at Parma on Sunday, and on the same day, Inter will visit Como.