Di Lorenzo: Napoli struggle with consistency, I was forced to go off
Giovanni Di Lorenzo states he was ‘forced’ to leave the pitch for Napoli during the half-time break in the 2-0 loss against Juventus, yet expressed satisfaction at rejoining his former manager Luciano Spalletti.
Both the captain and Kevin De Bruyne exited at the interval due to injuries, with the Belgium international twisting his ankle, leaving the squad unable to elevate their play to previous levels.
Di Lorenzo suffers new Napoli setback
NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 11: Giovanni Di Lorenzo of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side first goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC 1909 at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 11, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
“We have many games weighing on us and I was forced to go off, which disappointed me, as I really wanted to keep going,” Di Lorenzo told DAZN Italia.
“We had that big chance to take the lead with Lucca, but we were unable to maintain the same level after the restart and the game slowly drifted into Juve’s hands. It’s a pity, because this is a blow for our position in the table and we are falling behind.”
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 01: Federico Gatti of Juventus is challenged by Scott McTominay of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between Juventus and SSC Napoli at Allianz Stadium on November 01, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Napoli find themselves eight points behind their standing at this point last season, when after 10 rounds they held sole possession of first place, and now occupy eighth spot together with Bologna.
“I think we are lacking consistency, because we have some really good performances and alternate them with negative ones, while even over the course of 90 minutes we struggle to stay at the same level. We have to stay united and try to improve our position in the table.”
TURIN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 01: Nick Woltemade of Juventus is challenged by Giovane of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between Juventus and SSC Napoli at Allianz Stadium on November 01, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Stanislav Lobotka, Benoit Badiashile, Leonardo Spinazzola, David Neres, Alisson Santos, Costantino Favasuli and Alessandro Buongiorno were already sidelined, and the group appeared tired following the midweek 4-1 victory against Monza, which left minimal options for changing the lineup.
“If we are in this situation, then we all have to raise the bar. We are aware it’s a tough moment and we’re trying to work hard to improve, but the results are deficient right now. The team will do everything to turn it around.”
A meeting occurred with Juventus manager Spalletti, who secured the Scudetto alongside Di Lorenzo at Napoli in 2023.
“He asked me how my family was doing, I have a strong rapport with the coach, we had two incredible years together at Napoli with the Scudetto, and I will always remember him with pleasure,” concluded the defender.
