AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli admits Napoli have surprised him this season.

Napoli are currently runaway Serie A leaders ahead of the season resumption.

Pioli said, "They have great quality, in every player they have on the field and are trained by a great coach.

"If they keep this rhythm ... We played an excellent game with them and we didn't deserve to lose due to the amount of play, but when we did something wrong they were immediately ready.

"At the beginning of the year, with all those players who lost, I didn't think they were so competitive and continuous. However, I am convinced that the championship is still very long and that there are many teams able to make many consecutive victories and restore a little balance.