Napoli coach Rudi Garcia believes the club still have a lot of quality in their attack without injured Victor Osimhen.
The French gaffer made the observation after the Serie A champions won 3-1 away to Verona on Saturday.
Matteo Politano scored one and created two assists for the Kvicha Kvaratskhelia brace as the Azzurri secured a morale-boosting win at Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi after losing by the same margin at home to Fiorentina the last time out.
Speaking with DAZN after the match, Garcia took some positives and negatives from the away win, explaining his tactical choices without Osimhen.
He said, “We did our job today; it was important to win, and the third goal in a game is always important. At 3-0, it is usually game over, but we conceded a rather unlucky goal and let Verona back into the match.
“We should’ve scored more goals, but we salute those who did score them, as Raspadori, Politano, and Kvaratskhelia did well. I also have a special mention for Alex Meret, who had a great performance in goal.
“We could have scored more, but without Meret, we could well have conceded more too.”
Osimhen got injured on international duty with Nigeria and will spend one month on the sidelines, but the Partenopei did not miss him.
Jack Raspadori was chosen as the centre-forward, whereas many assumed Giovanni Simeone would be picked to lead the attack in Osimhen’s absence and Garcia explained the choice.
“Jack is able to tie the team together and allows us to balance the midfield too. In this squad, we are fortunate to have Osimhen, Giacomo, and Cholito. It is better not to have players injured, but I was calm knowing we still have a lot of quality in attack.”
Garcia was pleased with Kvaratskhelia’s performance and hopes he will fly after ending his goal drought.
“He was already back against Udinese; now he attacks without that pressure to score at all costs, and when he plays like that, he makes the difference. He was decisive today; we are happy for Kvicha,” said Garcia.
Next for Napoli in Serie A is a home game against AC Milan on October 29, which is five days after their UEFA Champions League game week 2 trip to Union Berlin.
