Napoli got all the credit for securing Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, but Inter director Piero Ausilio insists ‘everyone knew of him, but we didn’t sign him because he didn’t fit our tactics.’
Kvaratskhelia was the revelation of the season in Serie A, helping Napoli win their first Scudetto in 33 years and named Player of the Season for his 12 goals and 13 assists in 34 games.
The Georgia international was snapped up for only €11.5m from Dinamo Batumi and many fans wondered why Napoli were able to get there before anyone else.
“Kvaratskhelia didn’t come from the moon, nor did he appear suddenly out of nowhere. His file had been on many people’s desks for many years,” Inter director of sport Ausilio told reporters at an event.
“We had some meetings, I myself met with his agent, I know also that Juventus and Roma were working on him. However, if you play 3-5-2 the way we did with both Antonio Conte and Simone Inzaghi, it’s more of a struggle.
“Napoli did well and their tactical system helped them, but he was a player that many people knew about. He was considered worthy of investment, but he didn’t fit our tactics.”
In all competition during his debut season with the Napoli jersey, Kvaratskhelia scored 14 goals and provided 17 assists in 43 appearances.
He plays primarily on the left side of a trident attack, but can also move to the right or act as a support striker for Victor Osimhen.