Napoli Coach Gattuso Explains Why Osimhen Was Brought On In Second Half Vs Spezia

Published: January 29, 2021

Napoli have advanced to the last four of the Coppa Italia after beating fellow Serie A side Spezia at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Thursday night.

Goals from Kalidou Koulibaly, Hirving Lozano, Matteo Politano and Eljif Elmas saw the Blues establish a four-goal lead in the first stanza, before the opponents reduced the arrears in the second half.

With 69 minutes gone, Victor Osimhen replaced Elmas - his maiden appearance in the Coppa Italia.

Napoli manager Gennaro Gattuso revealed that he brought on the Nigeria international for the last 21 minutes so he could step up his match fitness after more than two months on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury and COVID-related absence.

"This team has tremendous potential and we still need to get some important players back," Gattuso explained to Napoli's official website.

“I brought [Victor] Osimhen and [Dries] Mertens on in the second half to get minutes in their legs.

"They're key players for us and we haven't been able to use them much due to injury."

In his comeback game, Osimhen played the last 25 minutes of Napoli's 3-1 loss to Hellas Verona last weekend.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : sscnapoli.it

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