Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was widely praised by the Italian media for his impressive goal and strong performance in Napoli’s 2-1 win over Hellas Verona.
The Partenopei fell 1-0 down after 72 minutes in their clash with the Gialloblu on Sunday afternoon, leaving fans concerned that Walter Mazzarri’s side would again drop points to a struggling team. In the space of 15 minutes, everything turned on its head.
Cyril Ngonge forced an own goal from Pawel Dawidowicz in the 79th minute before Kvaratskhelia thundered a beautiful long shot into the back of the net to give Napoli the lead in the 87th minute, confirming their victory just in the nick of time.
La Gazzetta dello Sport were impressed with Kvaratskhelia’s work in Napoli’s win over Verona, writing: “He freed his technique and combined it with the concreteness, in the first half he seemed to be playing alone, all the dangers for Montipò come from him. The winning goal is deserved for how hard he tried.”
Corriere dello Sport echoed the sentiments of their Milanese counterparts, praising the Georgian winger’s incredible long-shot, commenting: “It’s football in the desert. Of a stunning beauty in the goal (shot, again, again, into the top corner) and an angel who embraced Napoli.”
Corriere della Sera and Tuttosport were a little less impressed by still had praise for Kvaratskhelia’s impressive goal, saying: “At the end of a match at his level, he found the play of the champion with a powerful right-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area.”
Kvaratskhelia’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 7.5
Corriere dello Sport: 7.5
Corriere della Sera: 7
Tuttosport: 7