'Change is incomprehensible' - Pundit surprised Osimhen was replaced in Napoli's draw vs Roma

Published: April 19, 2022

Napoli required a response in their Italian Serie A meeting with AS Roma at the Diego Maradona Stadium on Easter Monday having lost to Forentina in the penultimate round of matches, but faltered as they played out a 1-1 draw with the Giallorossi.

Stephan El Shaarawy found the bottom corner in the first minute of second half stoppage time to secure a share of the spoils for Jose Mourinho's men, after Lorenzo Pellegrini's first half penalty put the Blues in front.

Victor Osimhen had a chance to double Napoli's advantage in the second half when he was given space in which to operate but the angle was against him and he hit the side-netting.

The Nigeria international made way for Dries Mertens with eight minutes left on the clock.

Speaking on 1 Football Club, a radio program hosted by Luca Cerchione broadcast on 1 Station Radio, Mediaset journalist and football commentator Paolo Bargiggia questioned Luciano Spalletti's decision to replace Osimhen - something that backfired as the visitors grabbed an equaliser and were the more offensive team in the closing minutes.

In quotes relayed by Seriea24, Bargiggia said : "Yesterday he removed Insigne and Osimhen and also upset the defense set-up in the final by putting it at 5.

"The double change gave field, ground and confidence to Roma who were attacking at Mourinho-style, that is to say with great confusion.

"It seems that the management of Napoli was very disappointed by Spalletti's attitude, Osimhen's change is incomprehensible."

Of his 22 appearances in the Italian top-flight so far in 2021-2022, Osimhen has gone the distance in eight.

Igho Kingsley

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