Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti praised Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, explained why Giovanni Di Lorenzo is the new captain and confirmed Min-jae Kim is their first choice to replace Kalidou Koulibaly.
The Partenopei played their first pre-season friendly today, crushing local side Anauna 10-0 with Kvaratskhelia and Matteo Politano bagging a brace each.
The other goals came from Amir Rrahmani, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Alessio Zerbin, Ambrosino and an own goal.
Spalletti spoke to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli after the match and commented on the reports Fenerbahce defender Kim is first choice to come in after Koulibaly’s €40m transfer to Chelsea.
“The club is working to complete the squad and we need to find those figures who can bring us a little more security. Kim is suited to Napoli, he is a Champions League level player.”
Although they have made a €15m offer, there is a €20m release clause in his contract and Stade Rennais are also pursuing the South Korea international centre-back.
Meanwhile, Di Lorenzo wore the captain’s armband in today’s game, inheriting it from Lorenzo Insigne and what would’ve been this season’s choice Koulibaly.
“His teammates chose Di Lorenzo as the captain, seeing as we lost two in one go,” added the coach.
“People think the captain needs to be the one who has been here the longest, but in reality it’s about the rapport with the city and the club, the respect of his teammates, international level and someone who has a balanced head on his shoulders when dealing with the referee and opponents. Di Lorenzo is perfect.”
Kvaratskhelia made his spectacular debut for Napoli this evening, scoring two goals, providing an assist and hitting the woodwork in just 45 minutes on the pitch.
“The club is working to complete the squad, which it already has done with Matias Olivera on the left and Kvaratskhelia is a player who can really replace Insigne, as he takes men on, can shoot with his right or left foot. He has great qualities.”
Milan were told to sign this guy but eventually didnt priotize this deal.
Is Mertens going to be signed or not. Does anyone know something? Is appointing Di Lorenzo captain a sign they won’t keep him?