Di Lorenzo and Kvaratskhelia ‘learning so much’ from Conte at Napoli | OneFootball

Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are eager to ‘learn and improve’ with Antonio Conte after the first Napoli victory of this new era, but the Georgian had an extra special dedication.

The Partenopei were without a Serie A win since April 7 against Monza, while their last victory at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona was all the way back in March.

They swept Bologna aside 3-0 tonight thanks to goals from Di Lorenzo, Kvaratskhelia and Giovanni Simeone, the last coming on an assist from debutant David Neres.

It was fitting that Di Lorenzo should open the scoring, as he had been on the verge of an exit this summer, trying to force his way out of the club over what he felt was a lack of faith and affection.

“As I said many times, it was a strange summer, but when so much ‘emotion’ gets unleashed in my direction, it means the people love me. I feel that love every time I step onto the field, I owe them a lot and it was a strong emotion to score here,” Di Lorenzo told DAZN.

It was Conte who helped mediate and talk the captain into staying, insisting he and Kvaratskhelia were the key figures of this team.

“The coach was immediately honest with me and I appreciated his words. We have just started working together. We cannot know what will happen this season, but we are confident that we will grow as individuals and a team with Conte, so we are pleased to have him with us.”

Kvaratskhelia became a father, Di Lorenzo remained captain

It has been a special week for Kvaratskhelia, who celebrated his wife giving birth to their first child Damiane.

So naturally, when he scored this evening, he sucked his thumb in dedication to the newborn. Did that wonderful event give him an extra boost?

“I think you saw on the pitch, I had energy and did everything. It is so important, I am so happy that I came here and won with the team. I’m really happy,” the Georgian told DAZN.

Did Conte’s arrival also convince him to stick with Napoli after a disappointing season?

“It was big, I am happy with him, learning so much and want to do more with him.”