Napoli are hungry to win their first Scudetto in over three decades and now face a must-win game against second place Atalanta without their new star man Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, writes Apollo Heyes.
The 21-year-old Georgian winger only joined the Partenopei five months ago but is already a fan favourite in the Campania capital, dazzling the supporters with his illustrious skill on the ball and ability to leave players in his wake as he dances down the wing.
Kvaratskhelia has scored eight goals and provided 10 assists in 17 games across Serie A and the Champions League, being an important factor behind Napoli’s electric start to the season. Luciano Spalletti’s side sit top of the league table after 12 games, five points clear of second place Atalanta, their next opponents.
In a cruel twist of fate, Napoli won’t be able to count on Kvaratskhelia against Atalanta, with the 21-year-old out with back pain. Spalletti will be hoping that the rest of his forwards, like Giovanni Simeone, Victor Osimhen, Giacomo Raspadori and Hirving Lozano can rise to the task in Bergamo, but it’s undoubtable that the loss of the Georgian ace will be felt.
Kvaratskhelia is a key attacking figure for Napoli and the underlying numbers show his importance to the squad; this season, the 21-year-old averages 6.01 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, 1.96 successful dribbles per 90, 3.51 shots per 90 and 0.43 expected assists per 90.
Losing Kvaratskhelia means the Partenopei are losing the player who produces the most shot-creating actions (58), takes the second most shots (34) and their most productive player in terms of expected assists with 4.2.
Spalletti and his Napoli squad will now have to prove that they can survive their toughest test of the season so far against Atalanta. A win extends their lead at the top and shows their resilience when their backs are against the wall, something they’ll need to show at some point this season in their fight for the Scudetto.
I really do not think it is honest to put Napoli up for number 1 title contender. They play magnificent and i hope the will bring a deserved scudetto Down South but realisticly seen it would be a miracle….with a half new team…..