It is a different Napoli without Osimhen, Kvara — Antonio Conte admits

It is a different Napoli without Osimhen, Kvara — Antonio Conte admits

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 19:15 - 18.01.2025

Napoli boss Antonio Conte has opened up on the departure of the team's two best players in just 6 months.

Antonio Conte believes that the current Napoli team cannot be compared to the side that won the Scudetto two years ago under Luciano Spalletti.

Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has joined Ligue 1 giants PSG, in a move that could significantly weaken the title-chasing Naples side.

Conte, speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, explained that with Kvaratskhelia’s sale, and the departure of Victor Osimhen last summer, Napoli are an entirely different team.

Victor Osimhen at Napoli | IMAGO

“We’ve gained 47 points through great work, now we’re focusing on Kvara, but if we analyse objectively, this team is now without three players compared to last year: Osimhen, Kvara, and Zielinski, four with Kim (Min-Jae) going back to the Scudetto year,” Conte said, via TMW.

“Everyone can have their opinion and say that we’re stronger, weaker, that we need this or that.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Soccer News in Nigeria from Pulse Sports 

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and his wife Nitsa Tavadze with the Serie A title in 2023. | Credit: IMAGO

"They say there is a backbone, but it’s a different Napoli now. With Kvara’s departure, it’s a different Napoli team."

Napoli are top of the Serie A standings, 3 points ahead of Inter, who have a game in hand.

It has not been smooth sailing for the former Chelsea boss, but another Scudetto win will certainly rank as one of his biggest achievements, considering all the difficulties faced this season.

Tags: