Italy

Napoli Sporting Director Downplays Fabio Quagliarella’s Outburst

The Partenopei have insisted there is no 'Quaglia-gate' at the San Paolo, though Riccardo Bigon has empathised with his player's frustration...

Nov 9, 2009 10:32:18 AM

Quagliarella & Mazzarri - Napoli (Getty Images)

Photo Gallery

Zoom

Quagliarella & Mazzarri - Napoli (Getty Images)

Teams

Napoli

Players

Fabio Quagliarella

Serie A side Napoli have called an end to speculation that striker Fabio Quagliarella is at loggerheads with boss Walter Mazzarri.

The 26-year-old has looked a shadow of his former self since joining his hometown club last summer and reacted angrily to being substituted during Saturday’s goalless draw with Catania.

“There is no case regarding Quagliarella at Napoli,” Azzurri director of sport Riccardo Bigon insisted on Sky Sport 24.

“It was a difficult game against Catania and none of our players replicated the performances of our recent games.

“It’s only normal that a generous player such as Fabio would be unhappy after a match like this.”

Quagliarella has been omitted from the Italy squad for the friendlies with the Netherlands and Sweden, and there have been suggestions that he is struggling to cope with his new role as a lone striker.

“He played in a similar position at Udinese,” mused Bigon.

“I thought the pundits had appreciated the tactical change, particularly because Quagliarella would get more support.

“Fabio is keen to remain within the national team and, as a result, he is hoping to stay on the pitch for as long as possible to rediscover his best form.”

Vince Masiello, Goal.com