How Osimhen-Napoli contract talks could be boosted by Kvaratskhelia return

How Osimhen-Napoli contract talks could be boosted by Kvaratskhelia return
Credit: Icon Sport

A football journalist with Sky Italy has made an assertion about the current form of Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and his partnership with Victor Osimhen.

Last season, the duo were highly influential in Napoli's first Serie A win since 1990, combining brilliantly in attack to come up with the goods for Luciano Spalletti's men.

In terms of the numbers, Kvaratskhelia contributed 14 goals and provided 17 assists across all competitions in 44 games for the Partenopei.

On the other hand, Osimhen grabbed 31 goals and made four assists in 39 appearances in all competitions as the Naples side clinched the Serie A title and reached the Champions League quarter-finals. 

At the end of the season, Kvaratskhelia took home the Best Player award, while Osimhen won the Golden Boot as well as the best striker award.

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Credit: Icon Sport

A bold claim by journalist on Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen

Sky journalist Davide Camicioli spoke to Radio Goal broadcast, broadcast on Kiss Kiss Napoli, and analysed the performance against Milan, especially the efforts made by Kvaratskhelia in the game.

“Napoli, in the first half against Milan, were ragged, never united, and left open spaces for their opponents,” he said.

“It was a bad Napoli, they didn't press and moved their centre of gravity back a lot, and they seemed to be at the mercy of Milan. 

“Then I really liked the reaction also because it wasn't easy to react that way after that first half. Then Napoli created lots of opportunities, we need to understand what didn't work in the first half.

“I don't think the physical condition has an impact, Napoli finished on a high note and even risked winning.”

He went on to speak on the performance of winger Kvaratskhelia who has come under serious criticism for his underwhelming start to the season.

“Kvaratskhelia? I hope this is his year, the year of confirmation and continuity. I saw him do extraordinary things against Milan, he has extraordinary moves and technique,” he continued.

“He has everything to become an acrobatic and increasingly decisive player.”

Camicioli predicted it could ignite great things for Napoli when Osimhen returns from injury. 

“I believe that Kvaratskhelia in such good shape can be a stimulus for Osimhen when he returns to clear his mind about the contract issue,” he concluded.

Napoli and the situation around Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen

However, things have not gone accordingly for Osimhen, Kvaratskhelia, and Napoli in the league this season. 

While Napoli are 5th on the Serie A log and seven points adrift of leaders Inter Milan, Osimhen has been able to score six goals in 10 appearances, but Kvaratskhelia has just three goals to his credit. 

As for Osimhen, he has also missed a couple of games due to injury, while the cloud around his contract extension has not been resolved yet.

Osimhen and Kvaratskhelia have agreed to new deals with the club but none has been officially signed yet and it remains to be seen what will happen in the final weeks of 2023.

This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago

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