Nigeria international and Napoli talisman, Victor Osimhen hit double digits for Partenopei for the third successive season after he grabbed his 10th goal of the season in their 2-0 win at Sampdoria in a Serie A tie last night.
It was a perfect way to return to winning ways after the loss to Inter In the last league game.
Osimhen and a late goal from Eljif Elmas settled the contest for Napoli who now have seven-point lead at the top of the table ahead of Juventus who are second with 37 points.
Napoli began the game impressively and by the fourth minute they had a chance to score from the penalty spot after Zambian Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa was fouled in the hosts’ vital area. Matteo Politano stepped forward but his spot kick was saved.
It didn’t take long before Napoli took the lead through Osimhen who struck in the 19th minute for his 10th goal of the season from 13 games having 10 and 14 goals in two previous seasons.
Meanwhile, Osimhen has spoken about his leadership role in the Napoli squad and is looking forward to the ‘big game’ against Juventus on Friday night, saying: ‘Any player can make the difference.’
He added: “I want to say congratulations to the team, we deserved the win,” Osimhen told DAZN as per Football Italia.
“It was not a good game against Inter Milan, it’s important we start well here. Sampdoria are a good side, we showed respect, we came here for the win and I am happy to contribute a goal for the team.”
Luciano Spalletti has praised Osimhen in recent weeks not just for being a reliable hitman upfront, but also for his leadership role and the way he is constantly communicating with his teammates on the field.
“I want to say thank you to the coach for believing in me. Someone has to stand up for the team and speak, we cannot always wait for it be captain Di Lorenzo, and the coach also gave us motivation we need. Anyone can stand up and speak for the team,” he said.
“Of course I have to motivate my teammates, just as they motivate me, we have to keep speaking to each other and keep going.”
The next clash is another Scudetto showdown on Friday evening against Juventus at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
“Big game, big team, we have a great squad and the most important thing is to win. Any player can make the difference for us. Now we go back, relax and then start training to prepare for the game with Juventus.”
The Bianconeri have suddenly burst back into the Scudetto race after a dismal start to the season, thanks to their remarkable run of eight consecutive victories, all of them keeping clean sheets.
They have managed to close the gap at the top of the table to seven points going into this head-to-head showdown.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
