European football: Napoli make dire start, Real Madrid held at Mallorca

Napoli lose 3-0 at Verona in Antonio Conte’s first league game. 

ROUGH START: Antonio Conte, head coach of Napoli, gestures during the Serie A defeat to Hellas Verona. Pic: Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images

Napoli’s Serie A season kicked off in disastrous fashion on Sunday when they were overwhelmed 3-0 at Verona and lost midfielder Khvicha Kvaratskhelia after he collided with an opposing player.

Antonio Conte, in his first league match in charge of the 2023 champions, was forced to take off Kvaratskhelia just before half-time when the Georgian looked uncomfortable after the collision.