Tag: Napoli

19Jan By Football FlameNo Comments

SERIE A

Atalanta boss Piero Gasperini Inconsolable After Napoli Defeat

BERGAMO, ITALY - JANUARY 18: Gian Piero Gasperini, head coach of Atalanta BC disappointed ,during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and SSC Napoli at Gewiss Stadium on January 18, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. Atalanta slumped to a late 3-2 home defeat to Serie A pacesetters Napoli on Saturday evening, losing potentially crucial ground in the Scudetto race. Romelu Lukaku’s towering header in the 78th minute saw Antonio Conte’s side avenge a 3-0 defeat in November’s reverse fixture and steer seven points clear of third-placed La Dea. Despite becoming the first team to beat Napoli’s defense twice for the first time since their thumping win in Naples, Atalanta failed to capitalize on another scintillating attacking performance. As a result of a fourth consecutive winless league outing, Gian...

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13Jan By Football FlameNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Napoli eyeing Man Utd’s Garnacho as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s Replacement

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 7: Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Old Trafford on December 7, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stephen White - CameraSport via Getty Images) Napoli are actively pursuing Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho as they prepare for the anticipated departure of star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is reportedly set to join Paris Saint-Germain. According to recent reports from Alfredo Pedulla, Napoli have already made an initial offer of €45 million, including bonuses, for the talented 20-year-old Argentine forward. Garnacho has emerged as a top target for Napoli head coach Antonio Conte, who views him as the ideal replacement for Kvaratskhelia. The ...

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10Jan By Football Flame2 Comments

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Napoli target Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: Liverpool's Federico Chiesa during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield on September 21, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Dave Howarth - CameraSport via Getty Images) Napoli’s head coach Antonio Conte has reportedly identified Federico Chiesa as a prime target should Khvicha Kvaratskhelia depart the club. The Italian winger’s brief stint at Liverpool appears to be nearing its end, with the player struggling to find playing time in a high-performing squad. Calciomercato report how Chiesa, who joined Liverpool from Juventus last summer, has found it challenging to break into a formidable attacking lineup featuring the likes of Salah, Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Jones, and Darwin Nunez. This lack of opportunity has led ...

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10Dec By Football FlameNo Comments

SERIE A

Napoli star Kvaratskhelia out for weeks with knee ligament tear

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona Naples Italy on 8 December 2024. (Photo by Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is expected to remain out of action for nearly a month as Napoli announce that the Georgian winger has suffered a ligament tear in his right knee. Napoli star Kvaratskhelia was diagnosed with a knee ligament tear after medical tests on Tuesday.Examinations at Pineta Grande Hospital highlighted a ‘low degree’ lesion, and the player has already begun his recovery program. Napoli have not announced a recovery date for the Georgian ace, but according to Tutto Napoli, it usually takes up to four weeks to recover from these types of injuries. If this is th...

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8Dec By Football FlameNo Comments

TRANSFERS

PSG Receive Positive Outlook for Napoli winger

TURIN, ITALY - DECEMBER 01: SSC Napoli player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in action during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on December 1, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by SSC Napoli/Getty Images) Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly monitoring Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia closely. Contract extension talks between Kvaratskhelia and Napoli have hit a standstill, fueling speculation about a potential transfer in 2025. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, PSG and Barcelona are intensifying their pursuit of the Georgian star, increasing pressure on Napoli to finalize a deal before the summer. Manchester City are looking to strengthen their attack, particularly on the wings, due to the inconsiste...

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29Nov By Football FlameNo Comments

SERIE A

Conte:Italian football has ‘grown significantly’

SSC Napoli coach Antonio Conte in action during the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at San Siro Stadium on October 29, 2024 in Milan, Italy. Antonio Conte hailed his rivals’ performances in the Champions League and Europa League over the last few days, as he feels that Italian football has ‘grown significantly’ over the last few years, and he hopes that the Partenopei will return to the party next season. The Partenopei tactician sat down for his customary pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon ahead of Napoli’s upcoming Serie A match away against Torino on Sunday. Conte: ‘Italian football has grown significantly’ Conte feels that it is important not to ‘underestimate’ victories, regardless of who they come up against, as he feels that Serie A is one of the most ...

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23Nov By Football FlameNo Comments

SERIE A

Napoli Manager Hits Back at Inter President After VAR Controvery

Antonio Conte of Napoli during a training session on November 15, 2024 in Naples, Italy. Charismatic Napoli manager Antonio Conte aimed a dig at Inter president Beppe Marotta ahead of Sunday’s clash against Roma. The ex-Nerazzurri boss continues off-field debate with his former club following a controversial 1-1 draw at Giuseppe Meazza just before the international break. Indeed, Conte has had a hard time reconciling with Maurizio Mariani’s decision to award a dubious penalty to Inter that could’ve denied Napoli a point. However, Hakan Calhanoglu missed from the spot for the first time during his Nerazzurri career, allowing the Partenopei to get away with a highway robbery. Despite not losing the match, Conte has launched a public crusade against what he perceives as biased officiating...

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18Nov By Football FlameNo Comments

SERIE A

Napoli Defender on Real Madrid Radar After Big Injury

Real Madrid are eyeing Serie A to address their defense after a few injuries and are considering bringing back an old acquaintance, Rafa Marin, who hasn’t won over Antonio Conte in the early going. NAPLES, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 26: Rafa Marin of SSC Napoli gestures during the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa match beetween SSC Napoli and Palermo at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 26, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images) The center-back joined Napoli on a permanent deal but with some caveats, El Chiringuito reports (via Virgilio) The 22-year-old has made just one appearance in Coppa Italia so far. Alessandro Buongiorno and Amir Rrahmani have been able to start in almost every game. Juan Jesus got the nod the only time the former sat out.Real ...

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11Nov By Football FlameNo Comments

SERIE A

Di Lorenzo: ‘Nobody expected Napoli to do this well’

Giovanni Di Lorenzo of SSC Napoli and his teammates greet fans after the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 10, 2024 in Milan, Italy. Giovanni Di Lorenzo insists ‘nobody expected’ Napoli to be top of the Serie A table after 12 rounds, especially after they emerged unbeaten away to Juventus, Milan and now Inter. The Partenopei had taken the lead at San Siro through Scott McTominay on a corner kick routine, but it was cancelled out by the Hakan Calhanoglu scorcher that bent back Alex Meret’s glove. Both teams had the opportunities to win, Inter hitting the woodwork twice with Federico Dimarco and above all a Calhanoglu penalty, while Giovanni Simeone ballooned over from 12 yards with the last kick of the game. It proved enough for a 1-...

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9Nov By Football FlameNo Comments

SERIE A

Napoli Handed Decisive Injury Boost Ahead of Inter Showdown

SSC Napoli head coach Antonio Conte attending the afternoon training session at SSC Napoli Training Center in Castel Volturno, Caserta (Italy) on November 05, 2024. Serie A pacesetters Napoli have received a significant injury boost ahead of Sunday night’s mouth-watering league clash against Inter. According to Partenopei boss Antonio Conte via Calciomercato, Stanislav Lobotka is available for selection after missing out on the last two matches due to injury. “Lobotka has recovered and is available. We still need to evaluate whether he will start or come on during the match,” the Napoli manager said during his pre-match conference. “We all know his qualities; there’s no need to emphasize the value of the player.“ Lobotka’s absence cost Napoli dearly as they slumped to an embarrassing 3-...

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31Oct By Football FlameNo Comments

SERIE A

Inter stays hot on Napoli’s heels as Juve stumbles again

Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is in action during the Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Stadio Meazza in Milan, Italy, on October 29, 2024. Inter Milan consolidated their second place in Serie A on Wednesday with a 3-0 away thrashing of 10-man Empoli. Europa League champions Atalanta climbed to third with a 2-0 win over lowly Monza, as Juventus again shed valuable points and dropped to fourth with a 2-2 home draw with Parma. Resurgent Napoli are four points clear at the top of the table on 25 after they beat AC Milan 2-0 on Tuesday in a match that featured a sensational winning strike by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. But defending champions Inter kept pace Wednesday when they overwhelmed Empoli who played with 10 men after the half hour as Saba Goglichidze walked for a da...

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30Oct By Football FlameNo Comments

SERIE A

Fonseca: ‘Milan controlled the match, but Napoli scored’

Paulo Fonseca coaches Milan during the Serie A soccer match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Stadio Meazza in Milan, Italy, on October 29, 2024. Paulo Fonseca insists Milan ‘played positive football’ against Napoli, but failed to convert their chances and made ‘errors’ to concede the two goals. ‘We controlled the match.’ The Portuguese tactician made a brave stand by dropping Rafael Leao for the second game in a row, especially risky considering Christian Pulisic was only fit for the bench with flu symptoms. In addition, Tijjani Reijnders and Theo Hernandez were suspended, with Matteo Gabbia, Tammy Abraham, Luka Jovic, Alessandro Florenzi and Ismael Bennacer injured. The gamble did not pay off, as Romelu Lukaku and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia secured the 2-0 victory for Napoli at San Siro, A...

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27Oct By Football FlameNo Comments

SERIE A

Serie A leader Napoli scores late to beat struggling Lecce and Atalanta routs Verona

Giovanni Di Lorenzo of Napoli celebrates his goal during the Serie A match between Napoli and Lecce at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 26, 2024 in Naples, Italy. Serie A leader Napoli needed a late score from captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo to secure a 1-0 victory over struggling Lecce at home on Saturday. Di Lorenzo, who had an earlier goal waved off by the VAR, bundled in from close range following a rebound of a header by Scott McTominay. Antonio Conte’s Napoli moved five points ahead of defending champion Inter Milan, which hosts rival Juventus on Sunday. Lecce remained one point above last-placed Venezia. Di Lorenzo's goal came a minute after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia came on. It was Napoli's fourth straight win. The 2023 champion hasn't lost since dropping its season opener in Augu...

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25Oct By Football FlameNo Comments

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Arsenal, Liverpool handed boost in pursuit of £100 million-rated attacker

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and SSC Napoli at Carlo Castellani on October 20, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. Arsenal and Liverpool are both interested in acquiring the services of Napoli attacking sensation Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Arsenal and Liverpool both seek attacking reinforcement. They want to further bolster their attack and according to a report from Fichajes, both Premier League giants are interested in bringing Napoli ace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to England. After making a name for himself while playing in Georgia, Kvaratskhelia secured a big move to Napoli in the summer of 2022 and he hasn’t looked back since. He has established himself as one of the best young wingers in the world and his e...

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1Oct By Football FlameNo Comments

SERIE A

Napoli Encountering Issues with Kvaratskhelia Renewal

Napoli had a meeting with the agents of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on Monday to discuss the much-awaited extension, but more talks will be necessary to finalize the agreement. Another one will take place in the coming weeks. NAPLES, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 29: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the Serie A match between Napoli and Monza at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on September 29, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images) According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the club’s offer has been on the table since July. His wages would increase from €2M to €6M including add-ons. He’d earn as much as Romelu Lukaku and therefore be the highest-paid player on the squad. Napoli and the Kvaratskhelia camp will convene again aft...

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27Sep By Football FlameNo Comments

SERIE A

Napoli thrash Palermo to reach Coppa Italia last 16

Napoli winger Cyril Ngonge scored twice in an electrifying performance to help send his side through to the last 16 of the Coppa Italia with a crushing 5-0 win over Serie B club Palermo. Ngone struck in the seventh minute with a left-foot drive that bounced in front of Salvatore Sirigu and squirmed under his body into the net, leaving the keeper shaking his head in disbelief. Sirigu was at fault again five minutes later when Ngonge lashed another left-footer from a difficult angle, the ball flying across the face of the goal before nestling in the side netting to make it 2-0. Sitting second in Serie A and with Palermo 12th in the division below them, Napoli were too big, too strong and too quick for their visitors and Juan Jesus nodded home a corner to make it 3-0 just before the break. Pa...

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22Sep By Football FlameNo Comments

SERIE A

Juve and Napoli play out draw in early title tussle

Juventus and Napoli played out a goalless draw on Saturday as two teams tipped to challenge for the Serie A title cancelled each other out on Antonio Conte’s return to his old stomping ground. A fiercely contested, but far from exciting contest at the Allianz Stadium in Turin ended with Juventus maintaining their unbeaten start to life under new coach Thiago Motta. Juve are yet to concede in Serie A this season but their third consecutive league stalemate denied them top spot, currently held by local rivals Torino following their 3-2 win at Verona on Friday. Torino are a point ahead of Udinese, who are at Roma on Sunday, and third-placed Napoli, while Juve are a further point back in fourth. “Without goals, it is impossible to win games,” said a blunt Weston McKennie. Motta drew surprise...

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16Sep By Football Flame1 Comment

SERIE A

Lukaku, Meret, Anguissa, Conte: Napoli verdicts after 4-0 win vs Cagliari

Italian media praised Napoli after a 4-0 win against Cagliari, and even if he didn’t get his name on the scoresheet, Frank-André Zambo Anguissa was the MOTM, according to Gazzetta. Napoli are the Serie A leaders after four rounds. Sunday’s 4-0 away win in Cagliari allowed Antonio Conte’s men to go one point clear of Inter, Juventus, and Torino, who were held to stalemates over the weekend. Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Romelu Lukaku and Alessandro Buongiorno scored in Cagliari, but according to Gazzetta, the best player on the pitch was Cameroon international Anguissa. Lukaku, Meret, Anguissa, Conte: Napoli verdicts after 4-0 win vs Cagliari ‘He put in a high-level performance, consistent and dominating, which included 12 recoveries,’ wrote Gazzetta. Anguissa was rated 7.5/10...

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13Sep By Football Flame1 Comment

SERIE A

Intermediary Shares Tidbits on Huijsen and Lukaku Moves

Andrea Pellegatti is part of the Epic Sports agency, which brokered some of the most meaningful deals of the summer, like the transfer of Dean Huijsen from Juventus to Bournemouth and the quick return of Romelu Lukaku to Serie A. The former Bianconeri prodigy joined the Cherries after being linked to a few sides. The intermediary dished on what swayed him to Radio Sportiva (via Football Addict). “Their style was decisive. They try to play with quality in a physical league. They build their actions from the back, and he excels in that. Coach Andoni Iraola helped him embrace their technical project, without forgetting the role of Tiago Pinto. They already crossed paths in Rome. Bringing the player to a context coherent with his age and level and the championship were factors that contribut...

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4Sep By Football FlameNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Transfer: Napoli okay Osimhen for Galatasaray loan spell

Various reports out of Italy said on Monday evening that Napoli have approved a loan transfer of Victor Osimhen to Turkish giants Galatasaray. Both Napoli and Galatasaray have approved the transfer and officials from Turkey were due to arrive in Naples to meet Osimhen last night. Transfer negotiations are going ahead at fast pace.Top Transfer Expert, Fabrizio Romano, reported that there is even now an agreement in principle between the two clubs. It will be a season-long dry loan, meaning there will not be a loan fee paid, but Galatasaray will cover the enormous annual salary of Osimhen, which is put at between 10 and 12 Million Euros. However, according to Corriere dello Sportthis will only be possible if he agrees to extend his contract with the Italian club by a further year...

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