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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Nicky Bandini

Napoli stay top but will Kvaratskhelia cast shadow over Serie A title tilt?

André-Frank Zambo Anguissa (centre) and Napoli celebrate after their second goal against Verona.
André-Frank Zambo Anguissa (centre) and Napoli celebrate after their second goal against Verona. Photograph: Ssc Napoli/Getty Images

Antonio Conte is not angry, just disappointed, but before you accuse him of the oldest trick in the parenting book give the man time to finish his thought. On Saturday he confirmed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia wants to leave Napoli, expressing frustration that six months of working together had not persuaded the Georgia international that they could achieve great things together.

A day later, though, he provided a subtle reframing. “I want to underline something,” said Conte at his press conference following a 2-0 win over Verona. “When I spoke about disappointment, I was not speaking about disappointment felt toward a player or toward the club but in myself. I thought I could cut through and influence this situation … maybe I was a little bit presumptuous.”

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